Family estrangement affects nearly one in three American adults, a silent epidemic that often remains hidden behind closed doors. In Across The Kitchen Table, Carla Seaquist brings this complex reality to light through a poignant and deeply personal narrative. The book is an intimate exploration of familial conflict, emotional rupture, and the arduous path toward reconciliation—centered on the fragile and fractured bond between a mother and her daughter.
More than a memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is a contemplative reflection on the intricacies of family ties and the emotional weight carried by estrangement. Seaquist shares her own lived experience, recounting the harrowing loss of her daughter and the subsequent disintegration of family unity. With striking honesty and emotional depth, she takes readers through moments of sorrow, self-reflection, and, eventually, the emergence of healing. Her vulnerability draws readers into a space where they can examine their own relationships, communication patterns, and the transformative power of empathy.
Carla Seaquist is a celebrated playwright, essayist, and author whose work consistently grapples with pressing cultural and social themes. Her acclaimed plays—including Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus—as well as her insightful essays featured in major outlets, showcase her ability to tackle sensitive issues with both clarity and compassion. In Across The Kitchen Table, she brings these strengths to bear, navigating the emotional terrain of estrangement with grace and sensitivity.
Seaquist’s storytelling gifts illuminate a subject many find too painful to discuss. Her candid reflections offer not only a mirror for those grappling with their own familial disconnects but also a sense of hope. She reminds readers that even in the aftermath of heartbreak and loss, there remains the possibility of rebuilding, reconnecting, and understanding.
This book resonates far beyond the estranged. It speaks to anyone who cherishes family, values honest communication, or seeks to deepen their connections with loved ones. Across The Kitchen Table encourages facing hard truths, embracing forgiveness, and cultivating a deeper compassion—for others and for oneself.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw
