Sophie Kinsella, photographed several years ago at the launch of one of her novels, PHOTO: Michael Melia / Avalon / Profimedia Images
British writer Sophie Kinsella, author of the famous “Shopaholic” series of novels, has died at the age of 55 following an illness, according to a statement published on her Instagram account on Wednesday, Reuters and BBC reports.
Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, has sold more than 50 million books worldwide, including a popular series that follows the life of a fictional London woman with a shopping addiction. Some of the “Shopaholic” volumes were later adapted into a film.
The author was diagnosed in 2022 with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“She died peacefully, her last days being filled with her great loves: family, music, warmth, Christmas and joy,” the statement released Wednesday said.
“Despite the illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie considered herself truly lucky – for having wonderful family and friends and for the extraordinary success of her writing career,” he added.
