PARIS — Gisèle Pelicot, who became a symbol of the fight against sexual violence during the drugging-and-rape trial that riveted France last year and turned her into a global icon, is set to publish her memoir next year. "A Hymn to Life" will be released in English, French, and 20 other languages by the UK publisher the Bodley Head in January 2026.
Last year, Pelicot's harrowing case unfolded in the southern French city of Avignon, where a court convicted 51 men of sexual assault. The sentences ranged significantly, from three to 20 years, reflecting the severity and horror of the crimes involved. Dominique Pelicot, Gisèle's ex-husband, received a 20-year sentence after it was revealed that he drugged her food and drink, enabling the assaults. He was not the only one; another co-defendant was also found guilty of drugging and raping his own wife with Dominique's assistance.
Gisèle Pelicot's ordeal spanned nearly a decade, during which she was subjected to repeated sexual violence, often filmed by her ex-husband. The evidence presented during the trial included shocking homemade videos of the abuse that were filmed in their residence at a retirement home in the small Provence town of Mazan and other locations.
Reflecting on the support she has received since the beginning of the trial, Pelicot expressed her gratitude. "I am immensely grateful for the extraordinary support I have received since the beginning of the trial. 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," she said.
The court's decisions and the ensuing publicity sparked a national reckoning over rape culture in France. For many, Pelicot became a beacon of hope and a hero for her courage in demanding that the men's trial be held in open court. She has taken a stand against the stigma surrounding sexual violence victims, insisting that the shame should not rest with the victims but with the perpetrators.
The trials and tribulations experienced by Pelicot have resonated globally, with her case drawing international attention not just to the individual crimes that were committed against her but also to the larger societal implications of sexual violence. Her upcoming memoir is expected to be a rallying cry for victims everywhere, challenging them to reclaim their narratives and demanding justice.
As 'A Hymn to Life' approaches its 2026 launch, the anticipation is growing. Readers can expect a compelling account of resilience, strength, and the path to healing in the wake of unimaginable trauma.
With her story, Pelicot hopes to inspire countless others to speak out against their own experiences of sexual violence, encouraging a significant shift in societal attitudes towards shame and accountability. As she prepares to share her journey, Pelicot also aims to foster discussions that could lead to systemic change—altering perceptions around consent, victimhood, and the societal pressures that contribute to cycles of silence.
Her narrative represents a transformative moment not just for herself but for the countless victims whose voices have been silenced for far too long. Through her work, she sends a strong message: those subjected to heinous acts deserve not just understanding and support, but a rightful place in the conversation around justice and healing.
