Eyes of a Different Color by Robert Jaffee, MD (Book Review #2116)

Eyes of a Different Color is a poignant and richly detailed debut novel that navigates the complexities of identity, culture, and love through the eyes of two people from vastly different worlds. Inspired by lived experiences, Robert Jaffee offers a story that is as emotionally honest as it is culturally insightful.

Iris, a spirited young Israeli visiting the U.S. before her mandatory military service, wants nothing more than to enjoy her fleeting freedom. She meets Robert, a newly minted ophthalmologist with his own set of expectations and responsibilities. What begins as a brief summer encounter evolves into a deeply emotional, cross-cultural relationship that stretches across continents—from New York to Israel and eventually to small-town Texas.

Jaffee’s prose is unflinchingly honest, layered with humor, self-awareness, and the raw emotion that accompanies love born in unlikely places. Iris’s struggles—adapting to a foreign culture, facing antisemitism, learning English, and redefining her own dreams—are presented with clarity and grace. Her journey toward self-assurance is mirrored by Robert’s own grappling with family dynamics, career uncertainty, and his evolving view of what it means to love and commit.

Through Iris’s lens—both literal and metaphorical—Jaffee reflects on how we see the world and ourselves. Her growing passion for photography becomes a symbol of transformation, reminding readers that perspective changes everything. Their marriage, filled with clashing expectations, miscommunication, and moments of deep connection, is portrayed with unvarnished realism that makes their story both compelling and relatable.

At its heart, Eyes of a Different Color is about more than romance. It’s a story of personal growth, cultural dissonance, and the quiet but courageous act of finding one’s place in a world where nothing feels familiar. It’s also a tribute to resilience and the kind of love that evolves through understanding, sacrifice, and perspective.

This is a deeply human story—imperfect, nuanced, and ultimately redemptive.

Written by Jeyran Main

“What are your thoughts on this book? Share your opinions in the comments below!”

“Looking for editing, marketing, or book reviews? Explore our services and let us help you elevate your book!”

“Want your book featured in our magazine? Feature an editorial book review in our Book Review Magazine or submit an article in our Book Article Magazine.”