Gisèle Pelicot Publishes Memoir, Turning Personal Horror into a "Hymn to Life"

Paris, France — Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman whose harrowing story of a decade of mass rape orchestrated by her former husband captivated and shocked the world, has released her memoir, "A Hymn to Life, Shame Has to Change Sides." Published this past Tuesday across 22 languages, the book marks a profound act of reclamation, transforming unimaginable suffering into a powerful message of defiance, hope, and an urgent call to dismantle the culture of shame surrounding survivors of sexual violence. Pelicot's decision to chronicle her experiences follows a landmark 2024 trial that saw her ex-husband and dozens of other men convicted, cementing her status as a global icon in the fight against sexual abuse.

Unveiling a Decade of Deception

For nearly a decade, between July 2011 and October 2020, Gisèle Pelicot lived unaware of the horrific crimes being perpetrated against her in her own home in Mazan, France. Her then-husband, Dominique Pelicot, systematically drugged her with sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication, rendering her unconscious. While she was chemically incapacitated, he invited scores of men he recruited online to sexually assault her, meticulously filming and photographing each act. The shocking scope of the abuse revealed that Pelicot was raped at least 92 times by 72 different men during this period.

The horrifying truth only came to light in September 2020, when Dominique Pelicot was arrested for taking illicit upskirt photographs of women in a supermarket. A subsequent police search of his computer equipment uncovered a chilling folder labeled "Abuses," containing thousands of images and videos documenting the rapes. It was in November 2020 that authorities informed Gisèle Pelicot of the extensive abuse she had unknowingly endured. Her initial disbelief and the shattering of her perception of a loving marriage underscore the profound betrayal she experienced.

The Courage to Speak: A Landmark Trial

At 72 years old, Gisèle Pelicot made a monumental decision that would resonate far beyond French borders. Rather than exercising her right to anonymity as a victim of sexual assault, she chose to waive it and insisted on a public trial. This courageous act was driven by a powerful resolve to expose the perpetrators, challenge societal stigmas, and empower other survivors to speak out. She publicly declared that "the shame is theirs," referring to the men accused of assaulting her.

The trial, held in Avignon in 2024, became a focal point for global attention, drawing activists and supporters who rallied behind Pelicot. Dominique Pelicot confessed to drugging and raping his wife. In December 2024, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in orchestrating the rapes. Fifty other men were also convicted of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault, receiving sentences ranging from three to 15 years. Pelicot's unwavering dignity and determination throughout the proceedings transformed her into a symbol of resilience and feminist advocacy.

"A Hymn to Life": A Message of Reclamation

Pelicot's memoir, co-written with journalist and novelist Judith Perrignon, is titled "A Hymn to Life, Shame Has to Change Sides" in English and "Et la joie de vivre" in French. Released on February 17, 2026, it offers her personal account of the ordeal, her journey toward healing, and her steadfast commitment to advocating for others. The book's simultaneous release in 22 languages underscores the universal relevance of her story.

In her own words, Pelicot expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received and her desire to tell her story "in my own words." She articulated her hope that the memoir would "convey a message of strength and courage to all those who are subjected to difficult ordeals," and that they might "never feel shame. And in time, may they even learn to savour life again and find peace." The book serves as a tool for self-reflection and rebuilding, as Pelicot stated, "Today I'm doing better, and this book allowed me to engage in self-reflection, to take stock of my life. I had to try to rebuild myself on this field of ruins. Today I am a woman standing strong." Her narrative details the excruciating moment she learned of the abuse and the painful process of informing her children.

A Global Resonance and Catalyst for Change

Pelicot's story and her decision to break her anonymity have profoundly impacted discussions surrounding sexual violence globally. Her actions prompted a significant reassessment of rape culture in France and beyond, inspiring legal reforms and greater public awareness. Her bravery garnered international support, with figures such as Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom and Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles publicly expressing their admiration. Biles emphasized that Pelicot "has demonstrated to the world that it's not for victims of sexual abuse to feel shame — it's the perpetrators," highlighting how Pelicot "paves the way for other victims to come forward."

Her case has ignited conversations about marital rape, consent, and the critical need for victim protection within legal systems. It has also spurred examinations into the shortcomings of French law regarding consent, with activists advocating for reforms that prioritize survivor experiences. The widespread solidarity, from global letters of support to public demonstrations, underscores a growing demand for accountability and justice for survivors.

Conclusion

Gisèle Pelicot's memoir, "A Hymn to Life," stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a survivor. By transforming her personal tragedy into a public declaration, she has not only reclaimed her narrative but has also become a beacon for countless others navigating similar pain. Her courage in waiving anonymity, confronting her abusers in court, and now sharing her most intimate journey through writing, reinforces the crucial message that shame belongs solely to the perpetrators of violence. Pelicot's enduring voice, amplified by her memoir, continues to drive a vital conversation, pushing for a world where survivors are heard, believed, and empowered to find peace and joy once again.