A Hymn to Life

Shame Has to Change Sides

De: Gisèle Pelicot, Natasha Lehrer - translator, Ruth Diver - translator

Narrado por: Emma Thompson

“A rousing feminist manifesto.” – The New York Times Book Review

“Staggering . . . a lyrical book about monstrous events, a compelling exploration of what it feels like to hold two existences in your brain at once.” – Washington Post

“Deeply vulnerable.” – USA Today

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.

In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot waived her right to anonymity in her legal fight against her ex-husband and the fifty men accused of sexually assaulting her, a courageous decision that inspired millions of people around the world. Only four years prior, Gisèle had made the shattering discovery that her partner, Dominique Pelicot, had been secretly drugging and raping her, and inviting strangers to also abuse her in their home for nearly a decade. “Shame must change sides,” Gisèle bravely declared at the opening of the trial in Avignon, France, and the dictum soon became an international rallying cry to radically transform public sentiment and legislation surrounding cases of sexual violence. By the time Dominique and the dozens of men accused were found guilty three and a half months later, Gisèle had become a global figure, and her message—that she and other victims of sexual abuse have no reason to feel ashamed—galvanized a movement that triggered protests and demonstrations around the world.

In A Hymn to Life, Gisèle tells her story for the very first time, not as victim, but as witness. Beginning in 2020, when she received the first phone call from a local police station, Gisèle recounts the fateful investigation that turned her life inside out. With unwavering honesty and devastating grace, she retraces the steps of a life built over the course of five decades, the final decade of her marriage and its hidden abuse, and the long path of emotional healing that ensues. As Gisèle transcends the unfathomable traumas of her past, against all odds, she emerges with a renewed sense of passion and reverence for her life. Part memoir, part act of defiance, A Hymn to Life is a moving story of survival, testimony, and courage, and an unforgettable portrait of a woman who broke her silence, reclaimed her voice, and forced a reckoning.

Inspirational, Loving and Healing

First book I’ve completed in years and the fastest I’ve ever finished in my life. It was heartbreaking and healing. I had heard of this case, but never went into reading the details of the horrors she went through. I am glad I was able to learn about everything from her point of view. God bless her.

Painful and beautiful

Extraordinary courage in the face of such horror. Gisele is a woman to be admired for her strength. Her story was told with eloquence.

Gut wrenching and amazing at the same time

Gisele’s honesty, strength, courage & vulnerability leaves you wanting to hug her. The personifies thriving after surviving. Loved Emma’s narration. Must read- you never can know someone completely

Phenomenal story, performance, and message

Gisèle is the most extraordinary example of a woman. She should be the one to win a Nobel Peace Prize. I wish every woman had her strength. The strength to not only go through the experience, but to share it as is (without a ghost writer). She takes responsibility for her life. I wish she would be my family member in a future life. What an incredible woman, story, life. Completely in awe of you, Gisèle. I hope you read this. Because of you, I feel like I can keep going. Because of you, I’m able to be okay when the world taught me otherwise. Because of you I can breathe a little easier today. Thank you for this MASTERPIECE.

A French Lady with a British Accent?

Giséle Pelicot's book is a heartbreak. Shocking story, told by a brave woman. 5-stars for the book. A million stars for Giséle.

I like Emma Thompson as an actress. However, her narration is overly theadralic and quite frankly, her British accent was a turn-off for me. The lady is French, and I expeced her to sound French...not British. The story didn't need the theatrics, the overacted voice performace by Thompson made me turn the audible off and I bought the book instead.