Didier Decoin was twenty when he published his first book, Le Proces a l'amour. It was followed by some twenty other titles, including Abraham de Brooklyn and John l'Enfer. He is currently Secretary General of the Academie Goncourt, has been Chairman of the Ecrivains de Marine since 2007 and is a member of the Academie de Marine. He spent fourteen years on the writing of The Office of Gardens and Ponds.
A delicate spread of impressions, combining sensuality, adventure and the supernatural - Le Figaro Magazine A-ma-zing! A novel that sweeps you away. Warm, empathetic - absolutely brilliant - Telematin A total success, the result of no fewer than twelve years' work - Livres Hebdo A string of enchantments, transforming mud into gold - Le Parisien An unusual storyteller who has extensively researched the period he skilfully brings to life, Didier Decoin dazzles with his sense of atmosphere ... The Office of Gardens and Ponds is constantly surprising and captivating. It is a world full of women, ghosts, carp, juvenile emperors and rice packers, but what emerges is a sensual and enthralling mystery - JDD