“Yui Nuir was reincarnated into a noble family of tailors in another world, retaining her memories of her previous life in Japan. Her miserable childhood had just one source of comfort: the fairies she befriended by mending their clothes with her magic. Unfortunately, Yui's relative lack of skill in blessweaving—the art of enchanting fabric through needlework—ultimately results in her being disowned by her family. But when she is taken in by a nobleman named Rodin Calostira, the first person to recognize her innate talents, her luck begins to turn around…” (Yen Press)
Zeroki's “Maiden of the Needle” is a niche title and one that presents itself as such, down to the smallest of details. While this makes it limited to a readership, there are elements within, that may even further isolate it from a broader readership. However, it is a book that if it lands with the right audience, can easily become a fan favorite.
Notably, “Maiden of the Needle” focuses heavily on fashion, with a majority of the book revolving around describing the various garments that Yui makes in fine detail. The inclusion of magic in the tale is utilized to further the fashion-focus of the book as magical creatures' happiness and ability to aid humans is integral to creating garments for the bourgeoisie and royalty. Furthermore, the story has many elements and flow one would expect from a ‘classic' fairytale or Disney production, taking an impoverished girl and having her potential realized and finding adoration (and scorn) among the elite for her skills.
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Keeping in mind the focus of the novel, the printed version is heavy on charm and focused on conveying the adorableness within the content. Each page features a little fairy and a magic spider framing the text, which adds a layer of whimsy. The accompanying illustrations by Miho Takeoka are, undeniably, pretty, including a pull-out poster that really captures the descriptive work of Zeroki in exploring fashion. This is one book that, if you plan on picking up, is best served to have the physical release over digital to appreciate the book's notable elements.
While the structure of the novel mimics classic fairytales in many regards, there are certain elements that prove to be slightly unsavory in its delivery. Notably, the narrative choice to have Yui live a past life as a means to better comprehend the world around her. This works in most instances to add some depth of character to the, otherwise, silent Yui, yet the approaching of elements of sexuality becomes off-putting when considering the young age of Yui versus her ‘mental age'. Notably, a scene where she describes her nude body and inability to grow pubic hair is uncomfortable when compartmentalized from the rest of the story. Moreover, there is a degree of fetishization with Yui's illness and the way she is often treated like an object–a porcelain doll just to be picked up and moved.
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Elements of sexuality/fetishization won't be felt strongly by all readers as putting full emphasis on fashion and aesthetics softens the uncomfortable moments, yet those who are not heavily invested in fashion and are uncomfortable with ‘loop-arounds' to place sexual elements on minors will find the book difficult to navigate. Thankfully, these instances are few and far between, and it is also important to note that the book never gets graphic or explicit. As such, the 13 & up age recommendation is perfectly suitable, especially given that a lot of the elements which could be interpreted as fetishization, will likely be lost on younger readers who will just focus on fashion, the adorable mythical creatures, and the strong bonds shared by the diverse cast.
“Maiden of the Needle” will appeal to a specific audience, given its focus on everything adorable and its wonderfully descriptive approach to exploring fashion. Add in elements of the mental and physical struggles of protagonist Yui, and anyone who finds themselves drawn to aesthetics found in menhera fashion will be equally as drawn to the works as those who favor kawaii aesthetics. There is, undeniably, a potential fanbase that will utterly adore what Zeroki has created, however, those outside of these interests are likely to get bogged down in the book's faults and its awkward framing of coming of age through a mature narrator. Essentially, if you are one of those who adores Japanese fashion and everything cute “Maiden of the Needle” will be a must read, otherwise… avoid entirely.
