The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
| The Devil Wears Prada by Laura Weisberger | |
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| Category: Women's Fiction | |
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Reviewer: Claire Morris
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| Summary: The book that came before the film! An entertaining and enlightening look at the fashion industry has a good plot, some laugh aloud moments and feisty characters. Recommended. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 400 | Date: October 2003 |
| Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers Ltd | |
| ISBN: 978-0007156108 | |
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'Out of the frying pan and into the fire' barely begins to describe Lauren Weisberger's novel The Devil Wears Prada. We follow Andy, an aspiring writer fresh out of University who manages to land herself the job 'a million girls would die for' – working as a junior assistant at the prestigious 'Runway' magazine for the world renowned editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Unfortunately for Andy, not only has she never heard of 'Runway' or the almighty Miranda, she's not a size zero, she's not six foot and she doesn't own a single thing with a designer label in it. 'Inner beauty' simply doesn't exist here. All Andy has to do is survive for one year. One year with the boss from hell and she can get any job she's ever dreamed of.
That is, until after barely one week Andy realises just what her new job entails. With 24 hour phone calls with ridiculous barked orders from Miranda, literally not being allowed to leave her desk and a mandatory uniform of 4-inch heels, Andy starts to wonder if this really is her big break. Not to mention, with her life now revolving around Miranda's every single movement, life at home suddenly becomes non-existent. Is it really worth it?
The Devil Wears Prada shot to fame after it was adapted into a major film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, and now proudly boasts being an 'International Bestseller'. And a good thing too. This is one of those books that every girl, (or fashion conscious guy), should read, it's a great carry-it-around-in-your-handbag type book and will keep you in good company on any long train journey, although watch out for those embarrassing laugh out loud moments around fellow passengers if you do! While a minor interest in the fashion world might be beneficial, (there are some particularly long descriptions about clothes you'll want to skip if you're not), it's not necessary as you can step into Andy's shoes as she attempts to navigate this entirely new world as well. Not to mention, there's enough of a sub-plot with various love interests and a difficult best friend to keep you well entertained.
However, the sub-plot does have a slight tendency to get in the way at times. While it's necessary to the story as a whole, particularly at the end of the book, there are times when you wish it wouldn't interfere quite so often, or that if it did, you could get a little more background story, especially with Andy's best friend Lily. Her character was often a bit of a nuisance, and again, while she was central to the ending, it was difficult to sympathise with her as Weisberger didn't always explain her actions. But then I suppose, who can always explain their actions?
That small grumble aside, The Devil Wears Prada is a hugely entertaining book which will keep you going back for the next chapter, even when it's finished! Don't just watch the film, read the book and find a friend for life, or at least, until it goes out of fashion...
For more fiction about the fashion world you might enjoy This Year's Model by Sam Baker.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger at Amazon.com.
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