An estimated 30% of American adults are estranged from at least one family member—a quiet, widespread reality that many endure without open acknowledgment. Carla Seaquist addresses this painful subject with emotional depth and grace in her evocative book, Across The Kitchen Table. More than a personal account, the work is a profound and courageous inquiry into the nature of familial rupture, grief, and the possibility of reconciliation.
At the heart of Across The Kitchen Table lies the story of a mother and daughter, a relationship tested and ultimately fractured by tragedy and miscommunication. Seaquist shares her lived experience with unflinching honesty, recounting the devastating loss of her daughter and the cascade of emotional aftermath that followed. Her memoir is not merely about sorrow—it is an exploration of the complex web of emotions that come with loss, including regret, longing, and the search for closure.
Seaquist approaches this sensitive topic not just as a grieving mother, but as a seasoned storyteller. With her background as a playwright, essayist, and author, she brings a sharp eye and empathetic voice to the narrative. Known for award-winning plays like Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, as well as a wide range of thought-provoking essays on political, personal, and cultural themes, Seaquist has long demonstrated a rare ability to balance intellectual rigor with emotional insight.
In Across The Kitchen Table, she applies that same clarity and compassion to one of the most intimate terrains: the family. Her storytelling is raw and reflective, inviting readers to consider their own familial relationships and the unspoken wounds they may carry. The book doesn’t offer easy solutions, but it extends an open hand—acknowledging the pain of separation while also pointing toward the healing power of communication and forgiveness.
This memoir stands as a resonant testament for those navigating the silent burden of estrangement. Yet its reach extends further—it speaks to anyone who cherishes family ties and seeks to preserve them. Seaquist reminds us that while bonds may fray, there is strength in vulnerability and hope in the effort to reconnect.
With Across The Kitchen Table, Carla Seaquist has crafted a deeply human narrative—one that sheds light on the emotional terrain many fear to speak about, and one that offers solace to anyone yearning for understanding amid familial discord.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw
