An estimated 30% of American adults are estranged from a family member—a startling statistic that underscores a quiet crisis within families. Carla Seaquist’s Across the Kitchen Table addresses this reality with unflinching honesty and emotional depth, offering readers a powerful look into the complexities of familial conflict and the journey toward reconciliation.
More than a memoir, Across the Kitchen Table is an intimate meditation on the fragile nature of family bonds. At its core is the mother-daughter relationship—tested, wounded, and reshaped in the aftermath of tragedy. Seaquist shares her own heartbreaking experience of losing her daughter and the emotional ripple effects that led to the disintegration of familial ties. Through candid, courageous storytelling, she guides readers through grief, misunderstanding, and ultimately, the slow and often painful path to healing.
Seaquist’s writing is characterized by profound vulnerability and a deep empathy for human struggle. Her reflections resonate far beyond her personal story, prompting readers to examine their own relationships and the barriers—spoken or unspoken—that might stand in the way of reconciliation.
A seasoned playwright, essayist, and author, Carla Seaquist is known for her eloquent engagement with both personal and societal themes. Her acclaimed plays such as Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus have garnered praise for their emotional depth and incisive commentary. Beyond the stage, Seaquist’s essays tackle topics ranging from politics to morality, always with clarity, conviction, and compassion.
In Across the Kitchen Table, Seaquist turns that same discerning lens inward, confronting the pain of estrangement and the silence that often surrounds it. Her words give voice to a shared yet often hidden experience—offering not just a story, but a lifeline for readers navigating similar emotional terrain.
This book speaks not only to those who have endured family estrangement but also to anyone who values connection, forgiveness, and emotional honesty. It challenges us to lean into difficult conversations, to listen more deeply, and to find a way back to those we’ve lost along the way.
Across the Kitchen Table is a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for healing. With courage and compassion, Carla Seaquist invites us to sit with her at the kitchen table—where love, loss, and the possibility of reconciliation all have a seat.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw