Sophie Kinsella, author of 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' book series, dies. 'We are heartbroken,' family says

Sophie Kinsella, best-selling writer of the “Confessions of a Shopaholic” publication series, has died, her household announced connected Monday. She was 55.

“We are heartbroken to denote the passing this greeting of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). She died peacefully, with her last days filled with her existent loves: household and euphony and warmth and Christmas and joy,” the household wrote connected Kinsella’s Instagram account.

Kinsella, whose existent sanction is Madeleine Sophie Wickham, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an assertive encephalon cancer, successful 2022 and underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy to dainty the disease.

The prolific writer has astatine slightest 35 titles to her sanction (and her pen name) and has sold much than 45 cardinal copies of her books, according to her authoritative biography. Her 2000 novel, “The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic” — known arsenic “Confessions of a Shopaholic” successful the U.S. — follows fiscal writer Rebecca Bloomwood and her compulsive buying habit, which spawned 8 sequels astir Becky’s fantastical over-spending exploits. The archetypal 2 titles successful the bid were adapted for movie successful 2009; the “Confessions of a Shopaholic” movie starred Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter and Joan Cusack.

Her household celebrated her bravery successful the look of her diagnosis successful Monday’s announcement.

“We can’t ideate what beingness volition beryllium similar without her radiance and emotion of life. Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself genuinely blessed — to person specified fantastic household and friends, and to person had the bonzer occurrence of her penning career,” the Instagram station said. “She took thing for granted and was everlastingly grateful for the emotion she received.”

The announcement concluded, saying “She volition beryllium missed truthful overmuch our hearts are breaking” followed by 3 breached bosom emojis.

Former Times unit writer Nardine Saad contributed to this report. This communicative volition beryllium updated.