A Hymn to Life

The sexual assault that rocked the world. A courageous woman’s rallying call for ‘shame to change sides’. For the very first time, Gisèle Pelicot tells her story.



A BEST BOOK OF 2026 FOR THE OBSERVER, TELEGRAPH, GUARDIAN, FINANCIAL TIMES, NEW YORK TIMES, DAILY MIRROR, IRISH TIMES, GQ MAGAZINE, LIT HUB, BBC AND MORE

One November day, Gisèle Pelicot was called to a local police station and life as she knew it ended. Her husband of fifty years had been caught by a supermarket guard filming up women’s skirts. But on his computer was shattering evidence: for nearly a decade, he had been secretly drugging and raping her and inviting dozens of strangers into their home to abuse her.

Four years later, he and fifty other men were put on trial and Gisèle’s courage in waiving her right to anonymity made global headlines. ‘Shame must change sides,’ she declared, giving voice and hope to millions. Her words became a rallying cry and her decision marked a turning point in public feeling about sexual violence.

For the first time, and with unwavering honesty and grace, she describes a difficult childhood, first love, her career and motherhood. It is a life in determined search of happiness, both before and after her devastating discovery. She is an ordinary person who faces extraordinary catastrophe, whose example changes the world.

Ultimately, Gisèle Pelicot emerges with a renewed passion and reverence for living, and for love. A Hymn to Life is an unforgettable testament and promise: that victims have no reason to feel ashamed; that even after unimaginable betrayal we can go on; and that colour will always return to life.

Review

An emblem of resilience for women everywhere ― Vogue

Gisèle has challenged the patriarchy everywhere ... She is a symbol of strength and survival -- Gloria Steinem

This will be the most harrowing, and possibly the most important, memoir of 2026 ― Daily Telegraph, *Books to Look Out For 2026*

The bravest woman in the world ― Daily Mirror

The only writing you should read about Gisèle’s story is her own. If you want a page-turning memoir by a lifeforce, buy it for everyone you know. It may move you to tears, but it will move you to live more -- Gina Martin, multi award-winning gender equality activist and author of No Offence, But...

A Hymn to Life is quite something - a really brave, honest and heart-rending memoir -- Sarah Jessica Parker

A deeply moving and courageous memoir ... Her story offers hope, solace, and a necessary contribution to reshaping discussions of abuse and justice ― Women & Home

About the Author

Gisèle Pelicot was named as the most noteworthy person of 2024 in an opinion poll in France, eclipsing world leaders, and was honoured by Time. To mark International Women’s Day, the Independent named her the most influential woman of 2025.

Her case contributed to the national debate on sexual violence in France, which led to a change in the legal definition of rape.

She has been awarded the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest civic honour.