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A Hymn to Life
  • Published: 17 February 2026
  • ISBN: 9781847928979
  • Imprint: Bodley Head
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $40.00
Categories:

A Hymn to Life

Shame has to Change Sides

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
17 Feb 2026
Hardback
16 Mar 2026
EBook
17 Feb 2026
Audiobook
17 Feb 2026
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The sexual assault that stunned the world. A courageous woman’s rallying call for ‘shame to change sides’. For the very first time, Gisèle Pelicot tells her story.

The extraordinarily powerful memoir by a heroine of our times, whose story inspires change, compassion and courage.

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.

A Hymn to Life is an unforgettable testament and a promise. Its message is one of defiance and renewal – that victims have no reason to feel ashamed; that even after unimaginable betrayal we can go on; that the colour can come back to life. Ultimately, Gisèle Pelicot emerges with a renewed passion and reverence for living, and for love.
  • Published: 17 February 2026
  • ISBN: 9781847928979
  • Imprint: Bodley Head
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $40.00
Categories:

About the author

Gisèle Pelicot

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.

Gèl

Praise for A Hymn to Life

An emblem of resilience for women everywhere

Vogue

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

Gloria Steinem

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

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

An extraordinary memoir that inspires courage and compassion, but also crucially demands change … A Hymn to Life is truly a gift to every woman in the world, and we should thank her for her courage with all our hearts

Emma Thompson

Gisèle Pelicot is the strongest woman I have ever met

Victoria Derbyshire

I am moved beyond words by the courage and quiet strength of Madame Pelicot

Kay Burley

Madame Pelicot: what a hero

Natalie Fleet MP on The News Agents

[Madame Pelicot has] inspired women across the globe … and created a powerful legacy that will change the narrative around shame, forever

Queen Camilla

A brave woman [and] a powerful memoir

Daily Mirror

[Gisèle Pelicot] is beautiful. I say this not to comment further on her looks but to note her spirit: a palpable sense of freedom, an almost unearthly transfer of optimism to those in her midst

Gaby Wood, Vogue

Mme Pelicot cuts an extraordinary figure. You can only gaze in admiration at her strength and grace … She has become a repository of hope … an inspiration to all women across the globe

Guardian on The Newsnight Interview