An estimated 30% of American adults are estranged from a family member—a sobering reality that reveals just how many people silently grapple with broken familial ties. In Across The Kitchen Table, author Carla Seaquist confronts this often-taboo subject head-on, offering a deeply moving and insightful exploration of estrangement, grief, and the long road toward healing.
Far more than a personal memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is a profound reflection on the fragile nature of family connections. Seaquist draws from her own life, recounting the harrowing loss of her daughter and the cascading aftermath that disrupted her family’s cohesion. Through a narrative infused with emotional honesty, she guides readers through her personal experiences of heartbreak, estrangement, and gradual reconciliation—inviting them to contemplate the silent wounds that often define familial relationships.
Seaquist’s storytelling is distinguished by its raw vulnerability. With grace and openness, she unpacks the emotional burden of losing a child and how grief, if unspoken, can fracture even the most intimate bonds. Her voice is unflinching yet compassionate, offering a mirror to readers who may be navigating similar terrain in their own lives. Her reflections urge a deeper understanding of the pain and silence that often accompany family conflict.
A celebrated playwright, essayist, and author, Carla Seaquist is known for her nuanced approach to complex social and cultural issues. Her acclaimed plays—Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus—as well as her thought-provoking essays, have appeared in notable publications and platforms, showcasing her talent for dissecting human behavior with intellect and empathy. In Across The Kitchen Table, she brings that same clarity and emotional intelligence to the topic of estrangement, demonstrating once again her ability to translate deeply personal experiences into universally resonant themes.
What makes this book especially powerful is its dual function as both a personal account and a source of hope. Seaquist does not merely recount the pain—she also gently nudges readers toward the possibility of reconciliation. Her journey underscores the value of open communication, the courage it takes to confront long-held resentments, and the healing that can come from vulnerability and forgiveness.
Across The Kitchen Table speaks to a wide audience—not only to those who have lived through estrangement but also to anyone who cherishes the bonds of family and understands how easily they can be damaged. Seaquist’s narrative challenges us to face the uncomfortable truths we often avoid, and in doing so, encourages deeper connection, compassion, and healing.
In a society that often shies away from discussing fractured relationships, Carla Seaquist bravely opens the door. Her book is a tender, poignant invitation to sit down, listen, and perhaps start a conversation that has been too long delayed.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw