An estimated 30% of American adults are estranged from at least one family member—a startling reality that speaks to the emotional challenges hidden behind many closed doors. Carla Seaquist’s Across The Kitchen Table brings this struggle to light in a raw, poignant, and deeply personal narrative that explores the fragile nature of family, the pain of loss, and the long path toward reconciliation.
More than a simple memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is a rich, introspective journey into the emotional terrain of estranged relationships. At its heart lies a mother-daughter bond tested by tragedy, miscommunication, and grief. Drawing from her own life, Seaquist recounts the heartbreak of losing her daughter and the emotional fallout that followed—an unraveling of familial ties that many will find achingly familiar.
Through candid and courageous storytelling, Seaquist invites readers into her world, offering a powerful meditation on regret, healing, and the necessity of empathy. Her writing is marked by a striking vulnerability, creating space for readers to confront their own experiences with family conflict and the silent wounds that often accompany it.
Carla Seaquist is no stranger to navigating complex human experiences. A respected playwright, essayist, and author, her body of work spans a wide range of social and cultural topics. With acclaimed plays like Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, as well as thought-provoking essays featured in major publications, Seaquist has long been recognized for her keen insight and compassionate voice.
In Across The Kitchen Table, she brings that same thoughtful lens to the topic of estrangement—an issue often surrounded by shame and silence. The book serves not only as a personal account but also as a broader reflection on the bonds that tie us to one another, however tenuous they may become. Through her experiences, Seaquist offers both solace and a call to action: to listen, to forgive, and to strive toward understanding.
What makes this book resonate is its universality. While rooted in specific events, its themes will strike a chord with anyone who has felt distance within their family—whether through loss, miscommunication, or unresolved conflict. Seaquist’s narrative doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, but it also shines with moments of grace and hope, encouraging readers to reimagine what healing can look like.
Across The Kitchen Table is a powerful companion for those navigating the complexities of family life. It’s a reminder that even in the wake of heartbreak, connection is possible—and that sitting down to talk, no matter how difficult, can be the first step toward rebuilding what was lost.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw