Family estrangement is more common than many realize—nearly 30% of American adults are separated from at least one close family member. This silent and often unspoken struggle is at the heart of Across the Kitchen Table, a moving and introspective book by Carla Seaquist. Through the intimate story of a fractured mother-daughter relationship, Seaquist offers a raw and poignant reflection on conflict, grief, and the fragile path toward reconciliation.
More than a memoir, Across the Kitchen Table serves as a powerful meditation on the intricate nature of familial ties. Seaquist invites readers into her deeply personal journey following the devastating loss of her daughter and the ensuing disintegration of family unity. With unflinching honesty and emotional clarity, she examines the wounds left by estrangement and the difficult process of confronting them. Her storytelling is marked by vulnerability and grace, encouraging readers to explore their own relationships and the role of compassion in healing.
Carla Seaquist is an acclaimed playwright, essayist, and author, recognized for her thoughtful engagement with social, political, and cultural themes. Her notable works include award-winning plays such as Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus. In addition to her dramatic writings, Seaquist has contributed incisive essays to major publications, offering perspectives on everything from civic responsibility to personal growth. Her ability to blend intellect with empathy is a defining quality of her voice.
In Across the Kitchen Table, Seaquist turns her lens inward to confront the complexities of estrangement—a topic often shrouded in silence. With storytelling that is both tender and courageous, she brings to light the emotional toll of severed family bonds, while gently guiding readers toward the possibility of reconnection. Her words resonate with those who have experienced similar fractures and also with anyone who cherishes the value of family ties.
This book is not solely for those navigating estrangement. It is for anyone who believes in the power of communication, forgiveness, and the enduring hope of rebuilding relationships. Seaquist’s work challenges us to sit down, speak openly, and truly listen—across whatever figurative kitchen table stands between us and the ones we love.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw
