Gisèle Pelicot has publicly shared her harrowing experiences as a victim of sexual abuse for nearly a decade, culminating in her upcoming memoir, “A Hymn to Life,” set for release on January 27, 2026. Through her book, she aims to inspire resilience and courage among those facing similar struggles. Her daughter, Caroline Darian, has also published a book detailing her own traumatic experiences and advocacy against sexual violence, further highlighting the importance of sharing their stories to foster awareness and healing.
Gisèle Pelicot Shares Her Story
It’s now official! Gisèle Pelicot has finally spoken out, nearly three months after the verdict in the notorious Mazan rape case. The victim endured sexual abuse at the hands of approximately fifty men, including her former spouse Dominique Pelicot, for a harrowing nine years, until 2020. Gisèle is set to reveal her story through a book, opting for the written word to raise awareness rather than recounting her experiences in a courtroom setting. Following the highly publicized trial last autumn, she is preparing to release her debut book.
A Message of Strength and Resilience
In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Gisèle Pelicot shared insights about her upcoming memoir, titled “A Hymn to Life,” which is scheduled for release on January 27, 2026, by Flammarion. Her goal is to convey a powerful message of resilience and courage to those facing similar adversities, reflecting her own traumatic journey. During the interview, she addressed the men convicted in her case and others who may have committed similar offenses, expressing a desire for them to overcome shame and rediscover joy and peace over time.
Moreover, it has been revealed that her memoir will be translated into around twenty languages, ensuring her message reaches a global audience. The Bodley Head, her UK publisher, stated that “A Hymn to Life” aims to provide comfort and hope while contributing to a shift in the discourse surrounding shame. This announcement follows a competitive bidding process among three publishing houses for the rights to this much-anticipated work.
In a remarkable parallel, Gisèle’s daughter, Caroline Darian, has recently published her own book, “So That We Remember,” on March 5. As the founder of the #MendorsPas: Stop Chemical Submission association, she narrates the chilling tale of a serial rapist who employed chemical means to carry out his crimes. Caroline describes her book as part of her battle against one of the most significant predators, declaring that she also seeks recognition as a victim of Dominique Pelicot. She has taken legal action against her father, filing complaints regarding rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault, revealing the traumatic experiences she endured during her formative years.
With both mother and daughter sharing their stories, they aim to shed light on the issues of sexual abuse and resilience, hoping to inspire others in similar situations to find their voice and seek justice.