Please help me remember the name of this book!

[kelby_lake]

I only read an extract. It was set in France, maybe 19th century, and mentioned the rue de l'Hospice. The narrator goes on to describe a garden and gigantic house, which has a summer house.

Here's a quote from it: 'Both house and garden are living still...but what of that if the magic has deserted them?'

Could be by Balzac?

[Emil Miller]

I only read an extract. It was set in France, maybe 19th century, and mentioned the rue de l'Hospice. The narrator goes on to describe a garden and gigantic house, which has a summer house.

Here's a quote from it: 'Both house and garden are living still...but what of that if the magic has deserted them?'

Could be by Balzac?

It might be Eugenie Grandet by Balzac. It is a long time since I read the book so I am not certain, but it certainly sounds like it.

[kelby_lake]

The book's definitely in the first person narrative, and it describes a house and an Upper garden and Lower garden where pimentoes are grown.

EDIT:You sparked a reminder of that description. Now found book: My mother's House by Colette.

Thanks anyway! :)