Don’t let anyone tell you that ageing isn’t something to be immensely proud of, and that every year notched up isn’t a privilege.
Today I was having a bit of a rough day and feeling a bit sorry for myself when I heard the news that put everything into perspective.
That global best selling author Sophie Kinsella had died aged 55.
It hit me hard not only as I’m in my 50s so it seemed so untimely and so unfair but also because Maddy, as I knew her, was a friend at school - I still have a poem she wrote me for my 18th birthday.
While we went our separate ways and lost touch during the Uni years, I have watched her stellar writing career with awe. I knew her as a witty, super intelligent, good at everything (music, sport, academic) and simply a lovely person. But she was also a Mum of five, a wife, a sister and I’m sure much loved by all those who met her, and those who enjoyed her books.
Another reminder that every day, however hard, is a privilege and that the power of words can reverberate around the world and bring joy to so many people (her books sold to 50 million people in 60 countries around the world!)
RIP Sophie - my heart goes out to your family and your sisters x
What a stunningly eloquent interview, Zibby, and so poignant after her passing. I adored Sophie’s novels for their simplicity and relatable moments… I adore you for your honesty and sincerity always. And, oh to have been in the room when you and she met. That would have been a popcorn worthy event!
Thank you for sharing this, Zibby. I did not know that she was ill and am so sad to hear that she has passed. I remember reading and LOVING her work when I was a newly working gal in my early twenties. What a loss.
Thank you Zibby for this wonderful interview with Sophie Kinsella. I’m going to go out and buy her books now - she seemed such a funny, likeable person. And five kids!!! My heart goes out to them and her husband and her other family and friends - a terrible loss of such a vibrant and talented person. Life is simply not fair.
My beautiful 91-year-old mother passed away at the end of July 2025 from glioblastoma. She had been incredibly active up until her diagnosis, so watching her decline so quickly was devastating…each day she was a little less communicative, her vision a little worse. She passed just seven weeks after her diagnosis. Knowing that glioblastoma often affects much younger adults makes it all the more heartbreaking. May Sophie and my mother rest in peace.
Zibby, as always, thank you for sharing this heartbreakingly meaningful post that provides an insight most would not have the opportunity to experience. Her legacy will live on and I will dry my eyes soon. Bless you.
Don’t let anyone tell you that ageing isn’t something to be immensely proud of, and that every year notched up isn’t a privilege.
Today I was having a bit of a rough day and feeling a bit sorry for myself when I heard the news that put everything into perspective.
That global best selling author Sophie Kinsella had died aged 55.
It hit me hard not only as I’m in my 50s so it seemed so untimely and so unfair but also because Maddy, as I knew her, was a friend at school - I still have a poem she wrote me for my 18th birthday.
While we went our separate ways and lost touch during the Uni years, I have watched her stellar writing career with awe. I knew her as a witty, super intelligent, good at everything (music, sport, academic) and simply a lovely person. But she was also a Mum of five, a wife, a sister and I’m sure much loved by all those who met her, and those who enjoyed her books.
Another reminder that every day, however hard, is a privilege and that the power of words can reverberate around the world and bring joy to so many people (her books sold to 50 million people in 60 countries around the world!)
RIP Sophie - my heart goes out to your family and your sisters x
This is just the saddest news :(
I know it's heartbreaking for her family - I had a good cry at the sadness and injustice of it!
Sending love to you x
What a stunningly eloquent interview, Zibby, and so poignant after her passing. I adored Sophie’s novels for their simplicity and relatable moments… I adore you for your honesty and sincerity always. And, oh to have been in the room when you and she met. That would have been a popcorn worthy event!
I adored her. Devastated. Thank you for your lovely post
Lovely tribute.
Thank you for writing this and letting us know. What a tremendous loss. I read her last book and listened to your interview. She was amazing.
Thank you for sharing this, Zibby. I did not know that she was ill and am so sad to hear that she has passed. I remember reading and LOVING her work when I was a newly working gal in my early twenties. What a loss.
Oh no! I adore her writing. This is such sad news. I stupidly thought some miracle could happen and she'd pull through. Sending you a hug
Me too. 😢
Thank you Zibby for this wonderful interview with Sophie Kinsella. I’m going to go out and buy her books now - she seemed such a funny, likeable person. And five kids!!! My heart goes out to them and her husband and her other family and friends - a terrible loss of such a vibrant and talented person. Life is simply not fair.
Deeply sad.
I so loved her books! RIP, Sophie. I hope you are now enjoying heaven’s sweet scents.
So devastating :(
JibbyJabby?
Oh no!! This is so sad.
Thank you for sharing this with us.❤️🩹
My beautiful 91-year-old mother passed away at the end of July 2025 from glioblastoma. She had been incredibly active up until her diagnosis, so watching her decline so quickly was devastating…each day she was a little less communicative, her vision a little worse. She passed just seven weeks after her diagnosis. Knowing that glioblastoma often affects much younger adults makes it all the more heartbreaking. May Sophie and my mother rest in peace.
Zibby, as always, thank you for sharing this heartbreakingly meaningful post that provides an insight most would not have the opportunity to experience. Her legacy will live on and I will dry my eyes soon. Bless you.