Family estrangement is more common than many realize—nearly 30% of American adults are disconnected from at least one family member. Carla Seaquist addresses this quiet but widespread emotional crisis in her moving and introspective book, Across The Kitchen Table. More than a memoir, the book serves as an intimate study of loss, misunderstanding, and the long, often painful journey toward reconciliation, told through the lens of a deeply fractured mother-daughter relationship.
Seaquist invites readers into a narrative shaped by personal tragedy—the untimely death of her daughter—and the unraveling of familial ties that followed. With unflinching honesty and emotional nuance, she explores the ache of disconnection and the heavy silence that often replaces once-vibrant family bonds. Her storytelling is raw, compassionate, and deeply vulnerable, drawing readers into a space where reflection and healing are possible.
Renowned for her work as a playwright, essayist, and author, Seaquist brings her distinctive voice and depth of insight to this intensely personal subject. Her previous works—including acclaimed plays like Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus—as well as her essays on politics, personal growth, and society, have earned her recognition for tackling complex issues with clarity and moral courage.
In Across The Kitchen Table, Seaquist once again displays her storytelling gift—this time to illuminate a subject many endure in silence. Through her experiences, she offers a powerful commentary on the emotional costs of estrangement while extending hope to those longing for connection. Her reflections resonate not only with those directly affected by fractured family relationships but also with anyone seeking to better understand the delicate threads that bind families together.
This book is more than a chronicle of loss—it’s a heartfelt appeal for empathy, communication, and the courage to confront the past. Seaquist encourages readers to open their hearts, embrace vulnerability, and work toward forgiveness. Across The Kitchen Table ultimately reminds us that while the pain of estrangement is real, so too is the possibility of healing and rediscovery.
For anyone who cherishes the idea of family—whether intact or broken—Seaquist’s work offers both solace and a call to action: to listen, to speak, and to mend what can be mended.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw
