Three Lives of Tomomi Ishikawa

Benjamin Constable and Tomomi "Butterfly" Ishikawa share a bizarre friendship. Ben's life is turned upside-down when a suicide note from Butterfly lands in his apartment. Lost and heartbroken, Ben tries to ease the confusion by following the clues left by Butterfly, from her journal and her laptop. 

The clues would lead Ben to explore the history and eccentricities of Paris, searching for more clues hidden in potted plants or behind statues. As more and more clues unfold, he is led to the urban jungle of the Big Apple, unraveling more troubling details from Butterfly's past, details that are filled with distraught and death. Accompanied by his imaginary cat and a new-found friend in New York, he tours the city in search of an answer to these deeply troubling revelations.  

But with Butterfly's correspondence so awfully detailed and knowledgeable of Ben's whereabouts. he is slowly questioning the demise and existence of his friend. With his curiosity piquing, he searches deeper until he reaches the conclusion that would determine the finality of the story that Butterfly ingenouosly weaved. 

Reading Three Lives of Tomomi Ishikawa was a joy as I was swept into the heart of Paris. Giving a glimpse of its history gives a knowledgeable kick to the story. It was great reading a part of the growth of the city and you are dragged into the streets, alleys, gardens, parks and historical sites of the place; however, too much history also made the first part of the book a bit boring. As the story builds up, the curiosity in me was tugged as sub-stories are contained within a larger story. I tried to decipher the personality of Butterfly and to understand her past and why she's done the things she did. Although it was a bit perplexing as I got near the end, it also made me realize the human weakness. It made me realize that people need our help no matter how small it is. Though the book may be fictional, the events are truly a part of humanity and happen to people everyday. We just have to reach a hand or lend an ear for things to be better.