Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns (The Devil Wears Prada, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Lauren Weisberger's "Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns" picks up several years after the events of "The Devil Wears Prada," finding Andy Sachs, now a successful magazine editor, unexpectedly thrust back into the orbit of Miranda Priestly. The sequel isn't a direct continuation, focusing instead on a new set of professional challenges and personal revelations for Andy.

The main plot revolves around Andy's burgeoning career at Superb, a rival fashion magazine, where she's navigating the treacherous waters of high-stakes journalism and fiercely competitive colleagues. While Andy has achieved professional success and believes she's moved beyond Miranda's influence, the reappearance of the legendary editor throws her carefully constructed life into disarray. Miranda, now editor-in-chief of The International Herald Tribune, needs Andy's expertise on a crucial project, forcing a reluctant Andy to reconcile with her past.

Key characters beyond Andy and Miranda include Nigel, Andy's loyal friend and former colleague, who continues to offer sage advice and support. Nate, Andy's fiancé from the first book, plays a smaller role, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a relationship while navigating a demanding career. The new cast of characters at Superb introduces a range of personalities, some supportive and others intensely rivalrous. These characters often embody different facets of the fashion industry and the cutthroat nature of the professional world.

The overarching theme is the enduring power of the past and the complexities of ambition. Andy initially believes she's escaped Miranda's shadow, but the sequel demonstrates the lasting impact of her time at Runway. The reunion forces Andy to confront unresolved issues concerning her self-worth and professional identity, questioning whether her success truly stems from her own merit or the mentorship—however ruthless—she received under Miranda. The novel explores the sacrifices and compromises made in the pursuit of career success, forcing Andy to reassess her priorities and define her own definition of success.

While the sequel retains the sharp wit and glamorous setting of the original, it shifts the focus from the naïve ingenue's initial struggle to the complexities of maintaining success and navigating the ongoing power dynamics within the fashion world. The central conflict isn't purely about revenge; instead, it explores the nuanced relationship between Andy and Miranda, exposing the lingering resentment and unexpected respect that remains between them. Ultimately, "Revenge Wears Prada" presents a more mature and introspective Andy, grappling with the legacy of her past while striving to carve her own path in a highly competitive industry.