A Special Relationship

When Love Crosses Borders — And So Does Heartbreak

A Special Relationship by Douglas Kennedy is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of love, identity, and resilience. First published in 2004 by Arrow Books, this gripping story follows an American journalist who finds herself caught between two worlds — and two very different versions of herself.

From Passion to Betrayal

Sally Goodchild is an ambitious foreign correspondent who falls for fellow journalist Tony Hobbs while on assignment in the Middle East. Their whirlwind romance leads her to London, where marriage and motherhood follow. But what begins as a dream quickly unravels when Sally is faced with postnatal depression, cultural isolation, and a legal system stacked against her. Struggling to reclaim her voice and her son, Sally embarks on a harrowing journey of survival and self-discovery.

A Deeply Human Drama

A Special Relationship is Douglas Kennedy at his best — combining psychological insight, taut storytelling, and emotional depth. With themes of love, loss, and the fight for personal freedom, this novel resonates deeply with anyone who has ever had to rebuild their life from the ground up. A compelling read for fans of intelligent, character-driven fiction.