The Tattoo By Chris Mckinney

The Tattoo reads like an almost Dickensian tale of how the dysfunction of a working class “ohana” suffers the fate of corrupting future generations and condemning the main characters to a life unrealized potential. The book takes place deep in the heart Oahu’s Windward side where cultural pride stands tall alongside the lush scenery.  The story unfolds in flashback as the main character, Kenji Hideyoshi, recounts the events that shaped the unfortunate path his life takes. He describes his past in an unfiltered, genuine, and at times shocking manner but it serves a very important purpose in relating his story. Through his depiction of life, readers have the opportunity to glimpse into the issues plaguing his family and community. 

             The story establishes a tight knit community in which old time values and traditions flourish.  People customarily camp out on at the beach and take pleasure living off the land. Within the community there is a generous affection for alcohol and group centered activities.  It is under these circumstances that Kenji embarks on his ill-fated journey riddled with obstructions to his growth.  The journey causes him to challenge who he is and what his place should be in society. His father (who reluctantly must take on the role of guide after the premature demise of his wife) truculently educates him on how to survive in the environment by way of cultural transmission.  Ever present in the story is the rich history of the Samurai from his own Japanese heritage coupled with his father’s heavy-handed nature passed down from the previous generation. In a pivotal scene Kenji recalls the night his father beat him to a proverbial pulp for disrespecting the family heirloom samurai sword. The aftermath leaves Kenji needing cosmetic surgery to repair damage done to his mouth. By 17, Kenji is no longer a timid skinny kid. He is a fighter with fists have been road tested triumphantly against the flesh of others.

What makes this community so close besides shared values and socioeconomic status is that overwhelming resentment directed toward “haoles”.   There is a historical context for which to interpret the general disdain and frustration of locals considering the wealth on the island is disproportionately in favor those descendants who invaded the once sovereign land. Several incidents occur that illustrate that fact. It is if these little episodes will somehow settle the score of what has been taken from the native Hawaiian.  But it never does.

Though Chris McKinney serves up this tale in a culture specific fashion, the story has universal appeal. As a reader, I feel as though I learned something more about myself and my own historical make up. I suppose that is power great literature with create archetypical characters. It has the ability to make readers shed the individual cloaks of culture we all wear to reveal our true humanity.