Sibel Hodge acclaimed novelist, human rights advocate, and proud Turkish Cypriot, passed away on 21 August 2023, aged 52. Her loss was deeply felt by her family, friends, readers, and the many people whose lives she touched through her writing and charitable work.
Born on 8 June 1971, Sibel was the daughter of Yücel and Anne Dener. Her father was born in Girne/Kyrenia. Sibel herself was raised in the quintessential Hertfordshire town of Welwyn Garden City, where she developed the determination, creativity and resilience that would later define her remarkable career.
Although she would become known internationally as a bestselling author, writing was not her first profession. Sibel spent more than a decade working in law enforcement with Hertfordshire Constabulary, serving as a member of police staff in a local police control room. It was during these years that she began to pursue her passion for storytelling, eventually making the courageous decision to leave behind a secure career and devote herself to writing.
That decision would change her life.
Sibel's breakthrough came with her debut novel, Fourteen Days Later, one of the earliest novels to place North Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot community at the heart of its story. The book resonated strongly with readers and marked the beginning of a highly successful literary career.
Success, however, did not come easily.
Determined to see her work published, Sibel submitted her manuscript to more than 200 literary agents, receiving rejection after rejection. Where many would have given up, Sibel persevered and embraced the then-emerging world of self-publishing and took control of her own future. Her faith in her work was rewarded beyond expectation.
Over the course of her career, her books sold approximately two million copies worldwide, attracting readers across the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia and beyond.
Her success was built not only on talent but also on versatility. Sibel wrote across numerous genres, producing psychological thrillers, young adult fiction, children's books and works addressing social justice and human rights.
Among her most notable works was Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave, a powerful novella that drew attention to the realities of human trafficking and was recognised among notable books promoting awareness of human rights issues.
Throughout her career, Sibel received numerous accolades, including:
Shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (2008)
Runner-Up in the Best Indie Books Awards (2012)
Winner of Best Children's Book at the eFestival of Words Awards (2013)
Finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America International Digital Awards (2015)
Sibel Hodge with her CTCA Turkish Cypriot Personality of the Year in 2017 award.
She went on to be #1 bookseller with Amazon on five different occasions.
In recognition of her achievements and contribution to the community, Sibel was named Turkish Cypriot Personality of the Year in 2017 at an awards ceremony in London.
Away from her public success, Sibel was known for her warmth, humour and individuality. She met her future husband Brad when they were neighbours, and a friendship gradually blossomed into a lifelong partnership. The couple later married in the idyllic surroundings of Jamaica.
Brad fondly recalled Sibel's practical nature and sense of humour. While planning their wedding, she initially considered an expensive designer gown but ultimately chose a dress from TK Maxx. Purchased with a discount, it cost the remarkable sum of just £12. It was a story that perfectly reflected her unpretentious character and ability to find joy in life's simple moments.
A devoted animal lover, Sibel had a particular affection for cats and often cared for many at a time. Her love for animals found its way into her writing, notably in her children's book ‘It’s a Catastrophe,’ which delighted young readers with its humour, adventure and warmth.
Sibel was also deeply committed to causes she believed in. Passionate about human rights, animal welfare and spirituality, she was never afraid to express her views, even when doing so attracted criticism. Whether one agreed with her opinions or not, there was no doubting her courage in speaking honestly and standing by her convictions.
Sibel passed away after her health and wellbeing deteriorated following a freak accident. Nearly three years after her passing, Sibel's absence continues to be profoundly felt by those who loved her most, especially her husband Brad and her father Yücel.
Yet her legacy endures through her extensive body of work, the millions of readers she inspired, and the example she set of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Above all, Sibel Hodge will be remembered as a gifted storyteller, a fiercely determined individual, and a woman who followed her own path with conviction. Her books remain a testament to her imagination, compassion and extraordinary talent.
In the years before her own passing, Sibel wrote a poem to comfort her husband Brad following the death of their son Jake. It is fitting that we conclude this tribute by sharing those heartfelt words once more, in memory of a writer whose own words brought comfort, inspiration and hope to so many.
“Death is not an ending,
It's a shift of consciousness and energy.
A realignment of soul and spirit,
A dance with the universe and mother nature;
Even though the beat of the music changes, the dance carries on for ever.
Sibel Hodge International Best Selling Author. The End.”
On behalf of T-VINE Magazine, may Sibel rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to live on through the stories she left behind.
Sibel Hodge’s website can be found at www.sibelhodge.com
