An estimated 30% of American adults are estranged from at least one family member—a sobering reality that often goes unspoken. In Across the Kitchen Table, acclaimed author Carla Seaquist confronts this emotional terrain with honesty and insight, offering a powerful, intimate portrait of familial fracture and the enduring hope for reconciliation.
More than a memoir, Across the Kitchen Table serves as a reflective meditation on the fragility and resilience of family relationships. Through the lens of her own life, Seaquist recounts the heartbreak of losing her daughter and the resulting rifts that reshaped her family. Her account is both raw and tender, inviting readers into a space of vulnerability as she explores themes of grief, misunderstanding, and the struggle to reconnect.
Seaquist’s storytelling is both poignant and purposeful. With her background as a distinguished playwright and essayist—known for works like Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus—she brings a dramatist’s ear for dialogue and a philosopher’s mind for nuance. Her essays have been widely published and celebrated for their thoughtfulness on issues ranging from politics to personal introspection. This breadth of experience enriches Across the Kitchen Table, imbuing it with emotional intelligence and cultural relevance.
At its heart, the book is a courageous examination of estrangement—of what it means to live with emotional distance from those we love most. Seaquist shines a light on the silent pain many endure, while also illuminating the paths toward healing. Her writing does not shy away from discomfort; instead, it challenges readers to confront difficult emotions and engage in the often-painful work of mending fractured bonds.
Across the Kitchen Table resonates with anyone who has experienced the sting of familial disconnection or grappled with unspoken rifts in their closest relationships. But it’s also a book for all who cherish the idea of family, who believe in the power of empathy, forgiveness, and communication. Seaquist offers not just a personal story, but a universal call to reconnect—to sit across the kitchen table and begin again.
Whether you’re navigating estrangement or simply seeking to deepen your understanding of family dynamics, Carla Seaquist’s latest work offers wisdom, compassion, and, above all, hope.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw
