Writer Sophie Kinsella, author of the ‘Shopping Mad’ saga, dies at 55

The British writer Sophie Kinsella known for its saga ‘Crazy about shopping’ (‘Shopaholic’ for its title in English), died this Wednesday at the age of 55, as reported by her family through the author’s Instagram profile, who announced in 2024 that she suffered from glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Sophie. He died peacefully, with his final days filled with his true loves: family, music, warmth, Christmas and joy.“, they have pointed out.

Family members say that Kinsella endured her illness with “unimaginable” courage and remember that she felt “truly blessed” to have her family and friends, and to have had “the extraordinary success of her career as a writer.” ““She took nothing for granted and was eternally grateful for the love she received.”they claim.

Under the literary pseudonym Sophie Kinsella was Madeleine Sophie Wickham, who achieved fame thanks to the series ‘Crazy about shopping’, which tells the life of a journalist obsessed with fashion and spending money. This work was adapted to the big screen in 2009 under the title ‘Confessions of a Compulsive Shopper’, starring actress Isla Fisher. Its success transcended borders; Kinsella’s books have sold more than 45 million copies in more than 60 countries and his work has been translated into more than 40 languages.

Furthermore, he wrote ‘The Undomestic Goddess’, ‘Remember Me’ y ‘Twenties Girl’. Following her diagnosis, Kinsella wrote a short novel, ‘What Does It Feel Like?’, about a woman with five children who suffers from brain cancer.

Kinsella was shortlisted as author of the year by the British Book Awards in 2025 and, a year earlier, in 2024, her latest novel, ‘What Does It Feels Like?’ (How Do You Feel?) was chosen by The New York Times as one of the hundred most notable books of the year.

“We cannot imagine what life will be like without his radiance and love for life. We will miss her so much our hearts are breaking.“concludes the family statement.