Family estrangement is more common than many realize—nearly 30% of American adults are disconnected from at least one family member. This quiet yet widespread emotional divide forms the foundation of Carla Seaquist’s poignant book, Across The Kitchen Table. Through a deeply personal lens, Seaquist confronts the pain, complexity, and hope inherent in fractured familial relationships.
More than a memoir, Across The Kitchen Table is an introspective and heartfelt reflection on the fragile threads that bind families together—and the wounds that can tear them apart. Seaquist offers a raw and courageous account of her own journey, centering on the devastating loss of her daughter and the emotional aftermath that led to a breakdown in family ties. Her storytelling is deeply human, inviting readers into moments of grief, silence, reckoning, and—ultimately—healing.
Seaquist, an acclaimed playwright, essayist, and author, is known for her thoughtful engagement with cultural and social issues. Her portfolio includes award-winning plays like Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, as well as a wide range of essays on politics, ethics, and personal transformation. With characteristic sensitivity and insight, she approaches the subject of estrangement with both emotional depth and intellectual clarity.
In Across The Kitchen Table, Seaquist does more than recount personal experiences—she gives voice to a collective silence. Her narrative opens the door on the often-hidden realities of family conflict, offering comfort to those who feel alone in their struggles and encouragement to those longing to mend what’s been broken. Her writing gently guides readers through the messy terrain of regret, forgiveness, and renewed connection.
This book speaks to a broad audience—not only those who have experienced family estrangement firsthand, but also anyone who values the importance of family, communication, and reconciliation. Seaquist challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths, reflect on our own relationships, and reach out with empathy and courage.
Across The Kitchen Table is a stirring call to listen, to understand, and to heal. It’s a timely reminder that while estrangement can create painful distances, honest dialogue and emotional bravery have the power to bring us back to the table—and back to each other.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw