Across The Kitchen Table by Carla Seaquist: An Intimate Journey Through Family Estrangement
Family estrangement affects nearly 30% of American adults—a quiet crisis that many endure behind closed doors. In Across The Kitchen Table, author and playwright Carla Seaquist shines a piercing light on this emotional terrain through a deeply personal and resonant narrative. Her book is a stirring exploration of loss, miscommunication, and the fragile bonds that hold families together.
More than a memoir, Across The Kitchen Table serves as a contemplative reflection on the emotional cost of broken relationships. Seaquist recounts her own heartbreaking journey—centered around the untimely death of her daughter and the ripple effect it had on familial ties. Her story unfolds with honesty and vulnerability, guiding readers through grief, alienation, and ultimately, the possibility of healing. It’s a narrative that does not shy away from pain but also offers a pathway toward reconciliation and understanding.
Seaquist brings to this work her rich background as a playwright, essayist, and social commentator. Known for acclaimed works like Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus, she is celebrated for her incisive treatment of moral and cultural questions. Her essays—covering everything from civic duty to personal transformation—have appeared in prominent publications, affirming her voice as both thoughtful and courageous.
In Across The Kitchen Table, Seaquist uses that same clarity and emotional intelligence to unpack the often-taboo topic of estrangement. She opens a candid dialogue on the damage left in its wake, while offering solace and insight to those who have experienced similar divides. Her words resonate deeply with anyone who has felt disconnected from loved ones or wrestled with unresolved tensions across the family table.
This book isn’t solely for those grappling with estrangement—it speaks to a broader audience that values the bonds of family and the hard work of maintaining them. It’s a call to engage, to listen, to forgive, and to reach across the silences that too often define our most important relationships.
With profound empathy and grace, Across The Kitchen Table invites readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. In doing so, it provides both a mirror and a map—for recognizing past wounds and moving forward with compassion.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw
