Family estrangement affects nearly 30% of American adults—a startling statistic that underscores the emotional isolation many endure. In Across The Kitchen Table, Carla Seaquist addresses this often-hidden struggle with sensitivity and candor, offering a deeply moving account of familial conflict, loss, and the difficult path to reconciliation.
More than a traditional memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is a powerful exploration of the intricate dynamics that shape family relationships. Seaquist centers her narrative on a fractured mother-daughter bond, unraveling in the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy. Through intimate storytelling and unflinching honesty, she draws readers into a world marked by grief, misunderstanding, and the hope of healing.
Seaquist’s own journey forms the heart of the book. She shares the devastating loss of her daughter and the emotional fallout that followed, including the erosion of remaining family ties. Her reflections are raw and deeply personal, yet they speak to universal themes of regret, resilience, and the longing for connection. With each chapter, readers are invited to confront their own familial wounds and consider the transformative power of empathy and open dialogue.
Widely respected for her thought-provoking work, Carla Seaquist is an accomplished playwright, essayist, and author. Her acclaimed plays—including Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus—tackle complex social and moral questions with nuance and emotional depth. Her essays, published in prominent outlets, often bridge the personal and political, revealing a keen awareness of the human condition. This signature blend of insight and compassion is on full display in Across The Kitchen Table.
What sets this book apart is its unfiltered look at estrangement—not as a rare or shameful occurrence, but as a deeply human experience. Seaquist gives voice to the quiet pain so many carry, while offering a message of hope for those seeking to mend fractured connections. Her writing is both a mirror and a guide: it reflects the reality of broken relationships and encourages the courage needed to pursue healing.
Across The Kitchen Table speaks not only to those living through estrangement but to anyone who cherishes family and recognizes the fragility of emotional bonds. Seaquist reminds us that healing begins with truth, that forgiveness requires courage, and that even the most broken ties can be restored with understanding and grace.
This is a book for anyone ready to examine the unspoken rifts in their own lives—and for those willing to take the first step toward reconciliation.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw