Have you ever been so inspired by an author’s work that you wish you could tell them exactly how much they have impacted your life? In this series, Literary Love Letters, we do just that – share open love letters to inspiring authors. Today, The Girls Guide to Getting Hitched author Sophie Hart writes to Sophie Kinsella.
Dear Sophie Kinsella,
I feel as though I’m writing this letter both to you, and to Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood), your most famous creation. In my head, you’re sort of the same person – I hope you don’t take that the wrong way! It’s more of a compliment for how likeable and believable and fun Becky is that I kind of assume you’re the same.
Over the years, as a reader, I’ve watched Becky grow, from a young woman obsessed with shopping, to a wife and then a mother … still obsessed with shopping! I love how Luke is always there for her (oh Luke, *sigh*), so calm and capable and loving and pretty damn sexy if we’re being honest. And then there are such great supporting characters in Suze and Tarquin and Becky’s family – I really feel like I know them all personally.
But of course there’s more to your writing than just the Shopaholic series. There are the glorious standalone novels (Can You Keep a Secret? is a particular favourite of mine), and the wonderful Madeleine Wickham books. But regardless of what name they’re written under, your work is always heartfelt, always touching and always un-put-down-able!
The main reason I’m sending this letter is my sheer love of your writing – it’s consistently funny, clever, compelling and moving. ‘Chick-lit’ sometimes gets a bad press, but if critics of the genre read your books I honestly believe they would eat their words! It’s absolutely what commercial fiction should be – fun, warm, witty, escapist, hugely entertaining and exceptionally well-written.
You’ve given me so much inspiration and joy through your novels over the years, and I’m especially thrilled that we share a name! If I can bring just a fraction of the same enjoyment to my readers as your writing has brought to me, I’d be a very satisfied lady!
Sophie x