An estimated 30% of American adults are estranged from a close family member—a statistic that speaks volumes about the emotional fractures quietly endured in countless households. This quiet epidemic is given a powerful, deeply personal voice in Across The Kitchen Table by Carla Seaquist. Through this poignant narrative, Seaquist explores the fragile threads of family, conflict, and the difficult road to reconciliation, told through the lens of a mother-daughter relationship torn apart by loss and miscommunication.
More than a memoir, Across The Kitchen Table serves as an intimate meditation on the emotional complexities that define family life. Seaquist draws from her own life, recounting the devastating loss of her daughter and the chain reaction of heartache and separation that followed. Through unflinching honesty and emotional depth, she guides readers through a story marked by sorrow, guilt, and ultimately, the pursuit of healing. Her vulnerability invites readers to examine their own familial ties and underscores the crucial role of empathy and open dialogue in mending broken relationships.
Carla Seaquist is an acclaimed playwright, essayist, and author whose work often illuminates pressing social and cultural issues. Her notable plays, such as Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, have garnered praise for their insight and humanity. In addition to her dramatic works, she has written widely on themes ranging from civic responsibility to inner transformation, with essays featured in prominent publications. Seaquist’s signature style—probing, compassionate, and intellectually engaging—infuses every page of this book.
In Across The Kitchen Table, Seaquist turns her storytelling prowess toward the quiet anguish of estrangement. She gives readers a rare glimpse into the emotional interior of a family in crisis, while extending a lifeline of hope to those yearning for reconnection. Her narrative speaks to the universal need for understanding, forgiveness, and the courage to heal.
This is not just a book for those who have experienced the pain of estrangement. It is for anyone who cherishes family and believes in the power of human connection. Seaquist’s work encourages readers to confront difficult realities, open the door to forgiveness, and build bridges where silence once stood. Through her heartfelt prose, Across The Kitchen Table becomes a call to action—a reminder that even the most fractured relationships can find their way back to love.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw