Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

What It's About

Told through the diary entries of Lorelei Lee, a self-described "professional lady" from Arkansas, the novel follows her adventures among wealthy admirers in New York and, later, on a whirlwind trip through Europe. Written in Lorelei's guileless, grammatically mangled voice, it's a comedy of manners about a woman who trades her looks and charm for jewels, furs, and the attentions of men only too happy to be fleeced.

Key Concepts

The novel is best known for popularising the "dumb blonde" archetype, only to repeatedly undercut it — Lorelei's naive narration hides a shrewd understanding of exactly what she's doing. It uses her voice as a satirical lens on Jazz Age materialism, class aspiration, and the low bar men set for women they find attractive, leaving readers to debate whether Lorelei is an innocent or the smartest person in the room.

About the Author

Anita Loos (1888–1981) was an American screenwriter, playwright and novelist. She began her career in silent film, writing for D. W. Griffith and becoming one of Hollywood's first female staff screenwriters before turning her attention to prose.