I have so much to write and yet words evade me as I sit in front of my screen. I am feeling emotional and sad, and also lost. Sophie was more than just a favourite writer, she was a literary friend who I was going to meet one day. She felt like a friend and I am sure many fans like myself think the same. Throughout my twenties and thirties, I devoured her books and loved her characters. Her last book, What does it feel like? was a heartwrenching read, about her personal journey battling stage 4 glioblastoma.
My first encounter with her books began with the Shopaholic series. I was hooked with this series and enjoyed Becky Bloomwood’s adventures, especially when she meets her sister, who is a complete contrast to her! Then followed The Undomesticated Goddess, with poor Samantha having a mental breakdown and ending up in some random place, taking up a temporary new life. What about Twenties Girl? Now, that is my book. Everytime I think of this book, something tugs at my heartstrings and makes me wistful. This book is everything to me. I loved Sadie and Lara, especially Sadie. It made me think of my grandma and how I’d wish I had met her when she was young, and imagined what she would have been like then. I could go on and list all of my favourite Sophie Kinsella books (which is all of them!).
It pains me that I will have to adjust in a world without her. Without her latest books, her wit and without ever meeting her. I am thinking of her family and wishing them immense comfort and strength during this time, with now having one less person at the dinner table. In her last book, she talked about her immense love for her family and it is her love that will now guide and carry them forward.
Sophie, thank you for your books. Nobody can take your place. You have been a massive inspiration to me and your books have encouraged me to write my first light-hearted fiction. I may not be as good as you (and can never be) but I have to thank you, for giving me the silent push to write. I am sure so many things will come flooding into my mind later that I wish to have added here. But for now, I say tallyho to my darling writer, Sophie. I love you and may you rest in eternal peace, Aameen.