Pierre Loti was a French sailor and writer in the latter part of the 19th century. Loti is considered the finest descriptive writer of his time. His ability to share intimate feelings, moral sensibility, and the sensual will captivate the reader. Set in Japan the main character Loti has two objectives, first to get a tattoo, and second to get a temporary Japanese wife. He is bored with his wife until a friend shows interest in her. The Japanese custom of buying a temporary wife makes for an interesting plot.