Probably because Thailand is such a draw for literary expats, there’s a dearth of well-written hard-boiled fiction situated in other Asian countries, Korea being no exception. For that reason, we here at WoWasis were particularly interested in Ron McMillan’s Yin Yang Tattoo (2010, ISBN 978-1-905207-31-2). McMillan’s not a veteran writer. It’s his second book, and his first based in Asia. And it’s a good one, written as though he’d been in the writing game for a while.
In addition to a number of compelling characters, McMillan paints Korea well, having worked there as a photographer and English teacher. Alec Brodie, his protagonist, is a boozy, out-of-work photographer that gets involved in an international scam that’s way above his head, ultimately involving an ex-girlfriend of his. We like the fact that he’s not perfect and not all that extraordinarily bright, either. But somehow he stumbles along through 310 pages, slogging it out with friend and foe. The plot’s brilliantly written and moves nicely through some crazy twists. McMillan knows his Korea, and utilizing geographical areas to bring an element of verisimilitude to the meanderings of Brodie, who’s always in more danger than he realizes. The author understands Korean politics and culture, educating the reader along the way on elements as diverse as the Korean CIA and the proper way to make raw fish really tasty. One of our favorite descriptive passages involves Seoul’s Dongdaemun market, revealing McMillan’s chops as a master of description. Throughout the entire book, the reader is well aware of being in Korea, rather than in some nameless pan-Asian locale.
There were too ma
ny references to blues and R&B music for our liking, a minor fault that seems to be common among fiction writers that are also musicians, particular to the musical passion of a given author. McMillan’s good enough at establishing mood that he really doesn’t need to school the reader on musicology while Brodie drinks in a bar. On the other hand, the author’s background as a photographer is essential to the story, and his takes on the tricks of the craft (and its pitfalls — after all, that’s a lot of stuff to carry) are wonderful educative elements.
Overall, this book is so good that we recommend you take it with you on the plane when you first go to Korea. It’s fast-paced, so you can finish it on the ride, and full of so much cultural data that you’ll be ahead of the game when you land. This is a damn fine book by an emerging writer that writes like a vet, and there’s not a wasted page in it. Highly recommended. Buy it now at the WoWasis eStore.
Read a review of Ron McMillan’s latest book, Bangkok Cowboy
I came across this book on a website and having spent time in northeast Asia, predominantly Japan but having also been to Korea a few times, I thought I’d give this a go. I was not disappointed.
A lot of English language writers who set stories in foreign countries are criticised for merely rerouting a typical crime plot round an exotic locale and not interacting with the local culture. Not so McMillan. Not only does he produce a rip-roaring, high octane story, but he demonstrates a thorough knowledge, not only of Korean culture but its business practices as well. You can only do this if you’ve lived the book. McMillan was a photojournalist in the region and this comes through in the writing.
To the book itself. I am not going to summarise the plot and therefore spoil things for the reader. Suffice to say that the plot hooks you in, the characters are believable and the setting is atmospherically delivered. This is, without doubt, a 5 star book and I will be looking out for his Bangkok series.
McMillan deserves to be picked up by a major publishing house. Buy this book now!