Sophie Kinsella's new autobiographical novella "What Does It Feel Like?" will be released this fall. It explores the complex themes of accepting life's many obstacles while learning to live with sadness. The acclaimed novelist Eve is the protagonist of the novella, which centers on her terrible brain cancer diagnosis. Eve struggles with the fallout and her road to recovery after awakening in a hospital and losing all memory of her surgery.

A New Novella Amid Personal Battle With Cancer

The announcement of this upcoming release comes amidst Kinsella's battle with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer, which she courageously revealed in an emotional Instagram post. She explained that she delayed sharing the news to allow her children time to process it privately and adjust to their new reality.

Reflecting on her treatment journey at University College Hospital in London, Kinsella shared her resilience through successful surgery and subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Kinsella expressed gratitude and thanked her family, close friends, and the medical professionals for their support and care. She also appreciated her readers' constant support, particularly their positive response to her book, "The Burnout," which uplifted her during this challenging period.

Kinsella sent love and best wishes to everyone suffering from cancer and their supporters, acknowledging the loneliness and fear that come with a difficult diagnosis.

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Drawing From Personal Experiences

Drawing directly from her own experiences, Kinsella stressed that "What Does It Feel Like?" is her most personal work to date. She explained that writing gave her a therapeutic outlet and let her narrate stories that helped her overcome obstacles in life.

Chief editor Whitney Frick of The Dial Press praised Kinsella's bravery and mentioned how her writing has inspired a new wave of romance authors. Frick highlighted the novella's emotional impact, resonating deeply with readers and colleagues alike.

Kinsella's editor, Sarah Adams, expressed immense pride in publishing the novella, calling it an extraordinary and brave piece of writing that blends humor with heartbreak. Adams praised Kinsella's ability to infuse warmth and humor into a devastating situation, highlighting the privilege of bringing this remarkable book to readers in the autumn.

Praise for "What Does it Feel Like?" highlights its emotional depth and realism. Jenny Colgan called it a beautiful love story and a beacon of hope amidst darkness. Lisa Jewell praises Kinsella's delicate humor and honesty in portraying her medical crisis. Jodi Picoult found the novel raw, tender, and humbling, calling it the bravest book of the year. Jojo Moyes said the book made her laugh, cry, and contemplate life's meaning, describing it as a little jewel.

Literary Works and Achievements

Kinsella is well known for her hugely successful "Shopaholic" series, which follows a journalist who battles her addiction to shopping through her financial follies. The books have received widespread praise and a sizable following, mainly since the first two volumes were made into the romantic comedy "Confessions of a Shopaholic," which starred Hugh Grant and Isla Fisher in 2009.

In response to Kinsella's Instagram post, Fisher commented and sent her support. Kinsella, who shares four sons and a daughter with her husband Henry Wickham, has seen her novels achieve remarkable success, selling over 45 million copies worldwide and being translated into more than 40 languages across more than 60 countries.

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