An estimated 30% of American adults are estranged from at least one family member—a sobering statistic that reveals the depth of a quiet yet widespread emotional struggle. In Across The Kitchen Table, acclaimed author Carla Seaquist brings this often-unspoken issue into the light with a narrative that is as personal as it is universally resonant.
Far more than a traditional memoir, Across The Kitchen Table offers a poignant examination of fractured familial relationships, focusing particularly on a mother-daughter bond ruptured by grief and misunderstanding. Seaquist writes with unflinching honesty, drawing from her own life to tell the heartbreaking story of her daughter’s untimely death and the ripple effects it had on her family. Her writing is intimate and deeply human, capturing the sorrow of loss, the ache of regret, and the slow, painful path to reconciliation.
Seaquist is no stranger to exploring complex emotional and social issues. A respected playwright, essayist, and commentator, she has garnered praise for her ability to tackle weighty topics with both insight and empathy. Her repertoire includes celebrated plays like Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, as well as a wide range of essays on politics, personal development, and the human condition—many of which have appeared in leading publications.
In this latest work, Seaquist channels her storytelling prowess into a subject rarely addressed so openly. With sensitivity and depth, she paints a vivid picture of estrangement—not just as a rift between people, but as an emotional wound that shapes identity, communication, and the longing for connection. Her narrative invites readers into a shared space of vulnerability, where confronting difficult emotions becomes a step toward healing.
What makes Across The Kitchen Table particularly powerful is its message of hope. While grounded in sorrow, the book extends an open hand to those seeking reconciliation. Seaquist doesn’t promise easy solutions, but she offers something even more valuable: a sense of possibility. For anyone who has faced a broken family bond or yearned for restored ties, her words serve as a reminder that forgiveness and understanding, though difficult, are possible.
This book is not just for those touched by estrangement. It speaks to anyone who cherishes family, who grapples with the fragility of human connection, and who believes in the power of open-hearted dialogue. Seaquist encourages readers to confront unresolved tensions, to listen more deeply, and to pursue healing—not just for others, but for themselves.
Across The Kitchen Table is a moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring need for connection, even in the face of profound pain. Seaquist’s story is her own, but its message is for us all.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw
