Sophie Kinsella dies at 55 — 'Shopaholic' author
British writer Sophie Kinsella (real name Madeleine Wickham) died at the age of 55 after a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. She sold more than 50 million books and was best known for the Shopaholic series.
By Oleg Bazylewicz
December 10, 2025 · 1 min read
British writer Sophie Kinsella, born Madeleine Wickham, has died at 55 after a long battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Her family announced her death in a statement published on social media.
Career and diagnosis
During her lifetime Kinsella sold more than 50 million copies of her books. She was best known for the series about a fictional London heroine addicted to shopping; several instalments of the series were adapted for the screen. In 2022 the writer was diagnosed with glioblastoma.
Family and memory
Her family said she passed away peacefully, and that her final days were filled with family, music, warmth, a Christmas atmosphere and joy. According to her relatives, Kinsella faced the illness with great courage and felt happy because of the support of loved ones and her professional achievements.
