An estimated 30% of American adults are estranged from at least one family member—a quiet yet widespread reality that often goes unspoken. Carla Seaquist brings this difficult subject into the light in her moving and deeply personal book, Across The Kitchen Table. Through the lens of a fractured mother-daughter relationship, Seaquist offers an honest and courageous exploration of loss, misunderstanding, and the path to reconciliation.
More than a memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is a heartfelt meditation on the fragility of familial bonds and the emotional weight of estrangement. Seaquist draws from her own life, recounting the devastating loss of her daughter and the subsequent unraveling of her family ties. With unflinching honesty and emotional depth, she guides readers through grief, remorse, and the gradual, painful journey toward healing.
Carla Seaquist is a respected playwright, essayist, and author whose work often examines pressing social and cultural themes. Her acclaimed plays, including Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, reflect her talent for navigating complex human experiences with empathy and intelligence. In addition to her theatrical work, Seaquist’s essays—published in prominent outlets—delve into politics, ethics, and personal development, revealing a thoughtful and compassionate voice.
In Across The Kitchen Table, that voice shines. Seaquist uses the power of storytelling to examine one of society’s most overlooked emotional wounds: family estrangement. Her writing invites readers to sit with discomfort, to confront silence, and to consider the possibility of renewal even after deep relational fractures. Through her narrative, she extends a hand to others in similar circumstances, offering both validation and hope.
This book speaks to more than just those who have experienced estrangement firsthand. It is a valuable read for anyone who cherishes family or has struggled to navigate difficult relationships. Seaquist’s story encourages open dialogue, empathy, and the courage to pursue reconciliation. Across The Kitchen Table is ultimately a call to reconnect, to forgive, and to heal—one conversation at a time.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw