Family estrangement affects nearly 30% of American adults—a sobering reality that underscores a quiet yet widespread emotional struggle. Carla Seaquist confronts this issue with striking honesty in her poignant book, Across the Kitchen Table. Through an intimate narrative centered on a fractured mother-daughter relationship, Seaquist explores the painful terrain of loss, conflict, and the arduous path to reconciliation.
More than a personal memoir, Across the Kitchen Table serves as a contemplative exploration of the emotional complexities that define familial bonds. Seaquist candidly recounts her own heartbreaking journey—the tragic loss of her daughter and the subsequent disintegration of family ties. With unflinching vulnerability, she guides readers through sorrow, self-reflection, and ultimately, healing. Her narrative invites readers to examine their own relationships, highlighting the vital role of empathy, communication, and emotional honesty.
Carla Seaquist is an accomplished playwright, essayist, and author whose body of work consistently examines the intersection of personal experience and societal challenges. Her acclaimed plays, including Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, as well as her essays on culture, politics, and personal growth, reflect a rare ability to navigate difficult themes with both intellect and heart.
In Across the Kitchen Table, Seaquist brings this signature insight to bear on a topic often shrouded in silence: the pain of estrangement. Her storytelling peels back layers of emotional complexity, offering both solace and illumination to those who have endured similar struggles. The book is a compassionate yet unflinching look at what happens when communication breaks down—and what it takes to begin repairing what’s been lost.
But this book speaks to more than just those who have experienced estrangement firsthand. It resonates with anyone who cherishes the importance of family, connection, and emotional integrity. Seaquist encourages readers to confront uncomfortable truths, pursue forgiveness, and cultivate deeper understanding in their personal lives.
Ultimately, Across the Kitchen Table is a courageous and tender examination of human relationships—one that inspires hope, even in the face of heartbreak. For anyone seeking to mend old wounds or prevent new ones, Seaquist’s work offers not only insight, but a path forward.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw