Content warning: Sexual Assault
Gisèle Pelicot’s life became worldwide, headline news after the survivor of mass rape became the centre of a landmark trial. Gisèle’s ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and fifty other men were convicted of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault after being involved in the assault of Gisèle who was drugged by Dominique and assaulted by men over a nine-year period.
Now, Gisèle whose strength and words have made her an international symbol of hope will publish her story in a memoir entitled ‘A Hymn of Life’.
“It’s not courage. It’s determination to change things,” Gisèle said. “This is not just my battle, but that of all rape victims.”
A Hymn to Life will tell Pelicot’s story “in her words, offer solace and hope, and make a positive contribution to changing the conversation around shame and to changing the world”, said publisher The Bodley Head, an imprint of Penguin.
“I am immensely grateful for the extraordinary support I have received since the beginning of the trial”, Pelicot explains. “I now want to tell my story in my own words. Through this book, I hope to convey a message of strength and courage to all those who are subjected to difficult ordeals. May they never feel shame. And in time, may they even learn to savour life again and find peace.”
Stuart Williams, publishing director at The Bodley Head added: “We believe that her voice in this book will speak to many, for years to come.”
A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot book will be published in English on 27 January 2026, simultaneously with the French edition and versions in 20 other languages.
