Family estrangement is more common than many realize—nearly 30% of American adults are disconnected from at least one family member. This quiet but profound reality forms the emotional backdrop of Carla Seaquist’s poignant and beautifully written book, Across The Kitchen Table. With grace and candor, Seaquist invites readers into a deeply personal story of family fractures, grief, and the complex path toward reconciliation, all framed through the intimate lens of a strained mother-daughter relationship.
More than a memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is a moving meditation on the fragile yet resilient threads that bind families together. Seaquist recounts the heartbreak of losing her daughter and the emotional fallout that followed—an unraveling of connections, miscommunications, and unresolved pain. Through her honest and vulnerable narrative, she explores the deep scars of loss and the quiet endurance required to seek healing. The book resonates as a call to introspection, offering insight into how silence, sorrow, and misunderstanding can isolate loved ones—and how empathy and courage can begin to mend what’s been broken.
Carla Seaquist is a seasoned playwright, essayist, and author celebrated for her thoughtful engagement with pressing social and cultural issues. Her acclaimed plays, including Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, as well as numerous essays on politics, ethics, and personal growth, demonstrate her ability to navigate the intersection of the personal and the political. Seaquist’s signature blend of intellectual rigor and emotional depth shines throughout this work, infusing her storytelling with both heart and clarity.
In Across The Kitchen Table, Seaquist confronts a topic that many families shy away from—estrangement—with a rare blend of honesty and hope. She doesn’t offer easy answers, but instead provides a reflective space for readers to consider their own relationships, struggles, and desires for reconciliation. Her narrative becomes a mirror for those grappling with fractured bonds and a beacon for those seeking the courage to rebuild.
This book speaks to more than just those directly affected by estrangement. It’s for anyone who cherishes family, wrestles with the imperfections of love, or yearns for deeper connection. Seaquist’s story challenges us to face painful truths, extend forgiveness, and keep the door open to understanding. Across The Kitchen Table is a compassionate, courageous exploration of what it means to be family—and how, even in the wake of sorrow, healing remains possible.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw