A FROME resident who wrote a book about moving to Frome from Los Angeles, died at the end of last year.
Frederica Hendricks Noble moved to Frome from LA in 2000; A lecturer in psychology and member of the Frome Writers’ Collective, Frederica wrote a book entitled The Special Relationship, sharing her experience of being an American citizen ‘falling in love with an Englishman’ and moving to a Somerset town.
Richard Noble, Fredrica’s husband said, “She found that moving to Frome from LA was quite a culture shock, it was very quiet here in those days, so much so that when she moved here, she then moved to London for a short while to live and work there but she kept coming back to Frome.
“Frederica loved the atmosphere in Frome and how friendly everyone was. She also loved all the local produce, the cheese and the cider. After being in London for some time, she then moved back to Frome and would commute to London on the train.”
Speaking about Frederica’s book Richard said, “She wanted to write a book that people could use in America.”
In April last year, Frederica held a meet and greet event at Tool & Gauge Kitchen to discuss her book. Speaking about the event organisers told Frome Times, “The Special Relationship details the humorous culture clash that happens when a Black American woman falls in love with a White British man.
“It explores how to navigate English culture and provides readers with insider tips and advice on how to have a successful, modern day Anglo-American relationship. The book also looks at the historical ‘million-dollar heiresses’ who came on the transatlantic marriage trade at the end of the 19th century and compares them with modern day Anglo-American relationships.”
In her book Frederica said, “My favourite part of being in the countryside was the food and drinks. Local Somerset cider and cheese from Cheddar. I could pick my own red currants, sloes and blackberries and every Friday it was Fish & Chips!”
Another excerpt in the book says, “It was the practicalities of everyday living that I had to contend with and grow accustomed to such as: smaller refrigerators; washing machines in the kitchen; drinks being served at room temperature with no ice; electric lawnmowers (I had never seen a lawnmower that you plugged in); more bathtubs than free-standing showers; more manual drives than automatic vehicles; different charges for dining-in or taking-away; no power outlets in the bathroom (where was I going to charge my electric toothbrush?); toilet flushes; teeny, tiny parking spaces; registering with the NHS and the expense of private care.”
Another excerpt said, “Do I miss my life in California? Sometimes, I miss the sunny, hazy days and the beach, but I’m living my happily ever after in the English countryside!”
Frederica died in December last year after a short illness; Her husband Richard continues to live in Frome with their son, Jackson.
The Special Relationship can be ordered from local bookstores or is available to buy online from retailers including: Barnes & Noble, Blackwell’s and Amazon. For more information about Frederica visit, www.fredericanoble.com
