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TL;DR: Andrea Sachs, a recent college graduate, gets a coveted job as the assistant to Miranda Priestly, the powerful and terrifying editor of the fashion magazine Runway. As she tries to survive impossible demands, Andrea must decide how much of herself she will give up.
Table of Contents
The Devil Wears Prada at a Glance
| Author | Lauren Weisberger |
| First published | 2003 |
| Type | Comic novel |
| Best for | readers who like workplace comedies about fashion and ambition |
The Devil Wears Prada is a novel by Lauren Weisberger, first published in 2003. The novel was a bestseller and was adapted into a 2006 film. A sequel, Revenge Wears Prada, followed. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A job
Andy lands an interview.
Miranda
Her boss is demanding.
Tasks
Andy is given impossible assignments.
Transformation
She changes her style.
Cost
Her relationships suffer.
Choice
Andy decides to leave.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| A job | Andy lands an interview. |
| Miranda | Her boss is demanding. |
| Tasks | Andy is given impossible assignments. |
| Transformation | She changes her style. |
| Cost | Her relationships suffer. |
| Choice | Andy decides to leave. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Success has a price.
- Know your values.
- Bosses can be abusive.
- Appearances matter in some worlds.
- Quitting can be strength.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The film differs.
- Miranda is more villainous in the book.
- The satire is sharp.
Who Should Read The Devil Wears Prada?
Read it if you like workplace comedies. It is breezy.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Devil Wears Prada:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (2003)
- Type: Comic novel
- Best for: readers who like workplace comedies about fashion and ambition
- Main idea in one line: Success has a price.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Devil Wears Prada is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Devil Wears Prada, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger: another Weisberger novel
- Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding: a funny diary
- Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella: a shopping comedy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the movie the same?
No, it differs.
Is there a sequel?
Yes, Revenge Wears Prada.
What age is it for?
Adults.
Is The Devil Wears Prada worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like workplace comedies about fashion and ambition. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading The Devil Wears Prada?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of The Devil Wears Prada?
The Devil Wears Prada returns again and again to a few big ideas. Success has a price. Know your values. Bosses can be abusive. Appearances matter in some worlds. Quitting can be strength. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.