“The Devil Wears Prada” Book Review

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

As the name suggests, this book is no doubt one of those chic lit novels, which involves fashion, romance and fame. This book depicts the story of Andrea Sachs, a typical graduate from Brown University, who seeks a career in the publishing industry specifically “The New Yorker”. After sending several resumes, she received a call from “Elias-Clark” for an interview to be the junior fashion assistant of Miranda Priestly, the chief editor of a fashion magazine, a magazine that was unknown to her, a magazine that portrays the most stylish trends — “Runway”.

She heard rumours from those around her and from Miranda’s senior fashion assistant, Emily Charlton, that Miranda Priestly was a total lunatic – The Devil, one who makes flippant decisions, one whose instructions were always vague and one whose demands are impossible to be fulfilled. Initially, she did not believed them but as the date that signalled the end of Miranda’s vacation draws near, Andrea finds herself in one of the most terrifying and excruciating moments of her life.

Published in 2003, the beginning of the 21^st century, Lauren made a beautiful and superb attempt in empowering women through her novel, a concept of gender equality is being emphasised.  The portrayal of absolute power through Miranda Priestly and the stoical aura that emits from Andrea and Emily are the reasons to why I simply enjoyed reading this book.

I also adored the way Lauren shapes her characters. The evolution of Andrea Sachs, the way she does things, the way she prioritises her work, the way she wants to succeed and the way she manages her relationships, throughout the book, is one of the few reasons that prompted me to continue nibbling on this chic-lit.

So, what exactly is Lauren’s inspiration to write this book? For once, no one knows. However, it was identified and found out that Lauren worked at Vogue as an assistant for 10 months. What a coincidence. Some said that this book is horrendous as it seems to spite the editor of Vogue, Anna Wintour, whose demanding and aloof attitude won her the nickname “Nuclear Wintour”; while some said that this book was superbly created.

One thing is for sure and that is I really enjoy reading books that have hidden agendas underneath the covers. Otherwise, I would recommend this hilarious, witty, sassy book to those who would enjoy a tour in the way a typical fashion magazine works.

My ratings: 3.5/5.0.

 

Note: I do not own these pictures.