Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Eyes of a Different Color by Robert Jaffee artfully blends the depths of grief with the compelling intricacies of human relationships. Jaffee, an ophthalmologist by profession, introduces readers to his life both within and beyond the confines of his clinic through a series of interwoven stories that highlight his personal and professional experiences. The memoir opens with a haunting scene at a young woman’s funeral in Israel, setting the stage for a deeply introspective journey. Jaffee’s narrative is rooted in the everyday interactions at his clinic, where the mundane task of prescribing glasses becomes a metaphor for the clearer vision he seeks in his own life. His patients spring to life within the narrative, ranging from the frustratingly indecisive Mrs. Schmidt to the tragically vibrant Iris, whose tale of love, loss, and cultural displacement parallels Jaffee’s journey.

The memoir excels in depicting the emotional landscape that Robert Jaffee navigates. It is as much about seeing others as it is about how Jaffee is seen by them—through the lens of his profession, his failures, and his moments of unexpected courage. The narrative is infused with melancholy and humor, a duality that captures the essence of Jaffee’s professional life and personal voyages into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. The book is also a cultural commentary, exploring the differences between American and Israeli societies through Jaffee’s interactions with Iris. This relationship, laden with cultural nuances and the raw honesty of shared secrets, provides an engaging backdrop against which Jaffee is sharply defined. His struggles and reflections provoke empathy and connection with universal themes of love, regret, and the search for meaning. The memoir is a masterful blend of life’s simplicity and its profound complexity, told through the eyes of a man who helps others see the world more clearly, even as he seeks clarity for himself. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of life, loss, and the enduring human spirit.