Family estrangement affects nearly 30% of American adults—a sobering reality that remains largely unspoken. Carla Seaquist brings this issue into the light in her powerful and deeply personal book, Across The Kitchen Table. Through a poignant narrative centered on the strained relationship between a mother and daughter, Seaquist explores the emotional labyrinth of familial disconnect, loss, and the difficult road toward healing.
Far from being a conventional memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is a reflective and emotional journey into the fragile nature of family ties. Drawing from her own life, Seaquist recounts the heartbreak of her daughter’s untimely death and the subsequent breakdown of familial relationships. Her storytelling is candid and unflinching, filled with moments of sorrow, introspection, and hope. With remarkable vulnerability, she invites readers to examine their own family dynamics and the consequences of unresolved conflict.
Carla Seaquist is an acclaimed playwright, essayist, and author whose work often grapples with profound social and cultural issues. Her plays, including Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, have garnered critical acclaim for their emotional depth and thematic complexity. She has also contributed thought-provoking essays to major publications, exploring everything from political discourse to personal resilience. Her hallmark is an empathetic yet clear-eyed approach to the human condition.
In Across The Kitchen Table, Seaquist brings that same clarity and compassion to the often-taboo subject of family estrangement. She offers a rare glimpse into the emotional aftermath of a fractured home, but also extends a lifeline of hope. Her insights speak to the pain of distance and the courage required to seek reconnection. Through richly crafted prose and emotional honesty, she creates a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced division within their own family.
This book transcends its immediate subject. It speaks to anyone who cherishes family, who understands the delicate balance between closeness and independence, and who has ever longed for reconciliation. Seaquist challenges her readers to confront hard truths, to open the door to forgiveness, and to pursue healing—even when it seems out of reach.
Across The Kitchen Table is not just a story—it’s an invitation. An invitation to listen, to reach out, and to recognize that even in silence, love can endure. For those navigating the pain of estrangement or simply hoping to strengthen their familial bonds, this book offers both solace and guidance.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw
