Across the Kitchen Table by Carla Seaquist: A Moving Reflection on Family Estrangement and Reconciliation
Family estrangement is more common than many realize—nearly 30% of American adults report being cut off from at least one close relative. This quiet yet widespread reality takes center stage in Across the Kitchen Table, a powerful and deeply intimate work by acclaimed author Carla Seaquist. Through vivid storytelling and emotional honesty, Seaquist examines the fragile ties of kinship and the painful consequences of broken bonds.
Far more than a personal memoir, Across the Kitchen Table offers a profound exploration of grief, miscommunication, and the long road to healing. At its heart is the story of a mother and daughter, whose relationship is torn apart by tragedy and compounded by misunderstandings. Drawing from her own life, Seaquist shares the heartbreaking loss of her daughter and the emotional aftermath that led to a painful family rupture. Her narrative unfolds with authenticity and courage, inviting readers to confront their own family experiences with fresh eyes.
Carla Seaquist is no stranger to difficult themes. A celebrated playwright and essayist, she is known for her sharp insight into both societal dynamics and personal introspection. Her works—including award-winning plays like Who Cares? and Looking for Atticus—tackle political, moral, and emotional complexities with clarity and compassion. Her essays, featured in prominent outlets, similarly reflect her ability to translate deeply personal experiences into universal truths.
In Across the Kitchen Table, Seaquist leverages this strength to shine a light on a topic many prefer to avoid. With unflinching honesty and literary grace, she explores the inner landscape of estrangement—the silence, the sorrow, the longing for reconnection. But woven through the pain is also a message of hope: that even broken relationships can be mended with effort, empathy, and open-hearted dialogue.
This book is more than a chronicle of loss—it’s a guide for those navigating the emotional terrain of disconnection, and a call to cherish the fragile threads that bind us. Seaquist challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths, extend forgiveness, and open paths to reconciliation. Her story resonates deeply with anyone who has felt isolated from loved ones, and with anyone who believes in the enduring power of family connection.
Whether you’ve lived through estrangement or simply value the bonds of family, Across the Kitchen Table is a compelling and necessary read. It reminds us that even at our most divided, understanding and healing are possible—one conversation at a time.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/lmyVYfJKPsw