Family estrangement affects nearly 30% of American adults—a striking statistic that underscores a quiet yet deeply felt emotional divide. In Across The Kitchen Table, author Carla Seaquist brings this hidden reality to light through a poignant and deeply personal narrative. The book explores the fragile nature of familial bonds, conflict, and the long, difficult road toward reconciliation, all centered on a strained mother-daughter relationship marked by grief and miscommunication.
More than a memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is an intimate reflection on the emotional complexities that often define family life. Seaquist revisits her own painful experiences, including the heartbreaking loss of her daughter and the resulting breakdown of her family ties. Through unflinchingly honest prose, she guides readers through a narrative rich with sorrow, introspection, and ultimately, healing. Her openness creates a safe space for readers to examine their own relationships and the role that forgiveness and empathy can play in mending them.
Carla Seaquist is a celebrated playwright, essayist, and author known for tackling both personal and societal issues with grace and insight. Her acclaimed plays, including Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, reflect her talent for examining the human condition with clarity and emotional depth. Her essays—spanning topics from politics to moral philosophy—have appeared in leading publications, further solidifying her reputation as a thoughtful and compassionate voice.
In this latest work, Seaquist continues that tradition. With Across The Kitchen Table, she addresses one of the most quietly devastating experiences many endure—estrangement from family. Yet her story is not simply one of loss; it is also a testament to resilience. Through storytelling that is as lyrical as it is courageous, she provides a beacon of hope for those grappling with broken connections and yearning for resolution.
Seaquist’s exploration of estrangement is not just for those directly affected. It resonates with anyone who values the role of family and human connection. Her message is clear: healing is possible, but it requires courage, honest dialogue, and a willingness to confront painful truths. The book encourages readers to nurture understanding and compassion, even in the most fractured relationships.
Across The Kitchen Table is both a call to reflection and an invitation to heal. It urges us to sit down, open up, and listen—not just to others, but to the deepest truths within ourselves.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw