Gisele Pelicot to Release Memoirs in 2026

LONDON, March 21, 2025 – Gisele Pelicot, a feminist figure renowned for her courage and outspoken stance during her ex-husband’s trial, is set to release her memoirs in 2026, it was announced on Thursday.

The memoir, titled A Hymn to Life, will be published in January 2026 in 20 languages, according to the British publisher Bodley Head, which is part of the Penguin Group.

A Story of Strength and Courage

In a statement, Pelicot expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she had received during the trial, saying: "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 the memoir, Pelicot aims to inspire others facing difficult circumstances. "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 added.

A Courageous Trial and Public Battle

Pelicot, 72, gained international recognition for her bravery during the high-profile trial of her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, who was convicted of orchestrating her mass rape while they were married. She had insisted that the trial be held in public and waived her right to anonymity, becoming a symbol of resilience for many.

In December 2024, a court in southern France sentenced Dominique Pelicot, also 72, to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping his wife, as well as orchestrating the sexual abuse of multiple men over nearly a decade. A total of 50 co-defendants were convicted, with sentences ranging from three to 15 years.

Family Impact and Further Revelations

The Pelicot family continues to grapple with the fallout from these traumatic events. Their daughter, Caroline Darian, released her own memoir in December 2024, titled I'll Never Call Him Dad Again, which recounts her own experiences with her father. She is also preparing to publish a second book focused on the experiences of sexual abuse victims.

In addition, Darian has filed a separate sexual abuse case against her father, although he denies the allegations.

Supplementary Information:

Gisele Pelicot’s Advocacy: Following the trial, Pelicot has become an advocate for survivors of sexual violence, particularly for women who have experienced systemic abuse and have been silenced by their abusers.

The Legal Outcome: The sentencing of Dominique Pelicot and his co-defendants marks a significant moment in France's legal battle against sexual violence, with the case drawing attention to the need for greater protections and support for victims of abuse.

The Role of Public Trials in France: Pelicot’s decision to waive anonymity in the trial sparked debates about privacy, public trials, and the rights of victims to tell their own stories in the public eye.

Pelicot’s memoir promises to be a powerful testament to resilience and survival, offering a deeply personal account of one woman’s journey through unimaginable hardship and her path to reclaiming her life.