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New memoir · February 17, 2026Gisèle Pelicot Memoir: A Hymn to Life, What the Book Covers
A Hymn to Life is Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir of surviving years of abuse organised by her husband in Mazan, France, and of the trial that made her an international symbol of courage. It traces her life from childhood to the present and was written to give hope to other survivors.
- Book: A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides
- Author: Gisèle Pelicot
- Published: February 17, 2026, Penguin Press (Penguin Random House)
- Themes: survival, justice, dignity
What is Gisèle Pelicot’s new book?
A Hymn to Life is Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir of surviving years of abuse organised by her husband in Mazan, France, and of the trial that made her an international symbol of courage. It traces her life from childhood to the present and was written to give hope to other survivors.
About Gisèle Pelicot
Gisèle Pelicot is a French woman who became an international symbol of courage after insisting on a public trial of her ex-husband and the dozens of men convicted of abusing her.
What the book covers
- Her life from childhood to the present
- Discovering what her husband had done over about a decade
- Her decision to waive anonymity at the trial
- The convictions of her husband and the other men
- Rebuilding her life with dignity
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Find my memoir writerWho it’s for
Readers who followed the Mazan trial and anyone interested in survivors’ testimony and justice.
What it shows about writing a memoir
Pelicot chose to tell her story publicly so that other survivors would feel less alone. If you are writing about painful experiences of your own, our guide to trauma memoirs covers how to do so safely and with support.
Where to buy A Hymn to Life
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What is Gisèle Pelicot’s new book?
Gisèle Pelicot’s new book is A Hymn to Life, a memoir published by Penguin Press (Penguin Random House), out February 17, 2026.
What is A Hymn to Life about?
A Hymn to Life is Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir of surviving years of abuse organised by her husband in Mazan, France, and of the trial that made her an international symbol of courage. It traces her life from childhood to the present and was written to give hope to other survivors.
When was A Hymn to Life released?
A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot was published by Penguin Press (Penguin Random House) on February 17, 2026.
Who is Gisèle Pelicot?
Gisèle Pelicot is a French woman who became an international symbol of courage after insisting on a public trial of her ex-husband and the dozens of men convicted of abusing her.
Where can I buy A Hymn to Life?
A Hymn to Life is available from major retailers including Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble and Audible, and from local bookstores.
Can I write a memoir even if I’m not famous?
Yes. Most memoirs are written by people who are not public figures, often for family or a small readership. Many people work with a memoir ghostwriter who interviews them and writes the book in their voice. Our Writer Match Quiz can help you find the right kind of writer.
This page describes the book using information from the publisher and press coverage. It is not a review, and My Book Written is not affiliated with the author or publisher.
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