Gisele Pelicot, a 73-year-old grandmother, courageously recounts her harrowing experiences in her new memoir titled "A Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides." Following the landmark court case where she faced 51 of her abusers, Pelicot provides a raw and honest narrative of the ten-year struggle against sexual violence that upended her life. She flips the narrative of shame away from survivors like herself and places it firmly on the abusers, emphasizing the need for societal change regarding the stigma surrounding victims of sexual assault.

In her memoir, Pelicot reflects on a tumultuous 50-year marriage to Dominique Pelicot, who she reveals to be a perpetrator of violence and deception. The book paints a vivid picture of a family torn apart by trauma, yet through her powerful storytelling, Pelicot exhibits a profound strength and resilience. She discusses the emotional toll of her experiences, confronting the complexities of love and betrayal while striving to maintain her belief in humanity amidst overwhelming adversities.

Pelicot's story acts as both a personal testament and a call to action for a shift in societal attitudes towards survivors of sexual violence. Her message is clear: shame should not belong to those who have suffered but rather to those who inflict pain. The memoir, replete with gut-wrenching honesty, aims to illuminate the darker corners of abusive relationships and highlight the resilience of those who refuse to be defined by their trauma.