No. 12: A book written by an author with the same initials as me
The Wives / Lauren Weisberger
LW. That’s me. And Lauren Weisberger.
I remember the joy that was The Devil Wears Prada (first the book, then the movie) and I have to admit that when I realized The Wives continues with the story of Runway assistant Emily, I had my doubts. But, I was also curious enough to give it a go and I’m happy to report that I have no regrets!
This book takes place years later, and Emily no longer works for Miranda Priestly but is still tough-as-nails, and uses her skills as an independent image consultant. Unfortunately, more and more of her clients get poached by a newcomer who is all about the latest social media platforms, while Emily still uses Facebook. After a mission leaves her stranded in New York, she decides to stop by her old friend Miriam. Miriam has recently moved to the suburbs of Connecticut and given up her job at a big city law firm to be a full-time mom. Emily is appalled by life in the suburbs but without any new clients lined up, and her husband on a long work trip to Asia, she decides to stay with Miriam and her family for a few weeks nonetheless.
It’s during this time that Miriam is contacted by her other old friend Karolina, former super model and wife of a senator. Karolina has been arrested for drink-driving with children in the car, and her husband is throwing her in front of the bus (press). She’s fled to their second home in Connecticut and when Miriam goes to visit her, she brings Emily along. Emily actually knows Karolina back from her super model days, when she would regularly be at the Runway office. The three of them quickly renew their friendship and it is Emily who tells Karolina to grow a pair and hit back at her husband.
With a lawyer and an image consultant in her corner, Karolina isn’t as helpless as her husband seems to think and they manage to hit him where it hurts the most.
In between the revenge-getting the women each have their own lives and are battling their own insecurities. But they strengthen and support each other along the way, and learn what it means to stay true to yourself, which even in suburbia isn’t easy.
Miriam and Karolina would have been boring characters without Emily’s gutsy presence to shake things up, and Emily needs a bit of sanity around her which these two provide. Of course, Miranda Priestly makes a guest appearance and is still the bitchy boss we all love (to hate). (Andy also pops up, although she has a cameo at best.)
All in all this book was a relaxed read and surprisingly fun sequel.
Bookworm in the City 