antoinette i have experienced failure with eggplant way too much but, i keep trying every year. failure has meant stunted plants and/or low production of inferior quality. as always i try again because of the beautiful foliage and blooms and plant several varieties.
this year i have planted them all in medium sized containers about two feet off the ground. this means i have to water them a lot but they are doing well, even producing eggplant. will WONDERS ever cease? i don't know whether this will inspire you to try again but if not, you may be tortured with---what if.
jon