Gisèle Pelicot memoir hits sales top spot in France

A memoir by Gisèle Pelicot, the woman who became an internationally-respected sexual violence campaigner after her ex-husband arranged for dozens of men to rape her, has topped book sales in France.

Ms Pelicot’s highly-anticipated book, Et la joie de vivre, co-written by journalist Judith Perrignon, sold 63,574 copies in France during the first week after its publication on February 17, said its publisher Flammarion on February 25. 

The book tells the story of how Ms Pelicot, now 73, discovered that her ex-husband Dominique had been drugging and raping her, and organising for other men to rape her. It also covers the subsequent trial (which began on September 2, 2024) and convictions that would hit headlines across the world, and the mother-of-three’s journey to international fame as an outspoken, dignified campaigner against sexual violence.

“We are satisfied. It's a very good figure for the launch of a memoir,” said Flammarion, in a press release. The initial print run was 150,000 copies. Flammarion based its figures on data from specialist institute GfK.

The publishing house added that it was also pleased with sales results from the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway. The book was released across the world in 22 languages, also on February 17, including in German, Spanish and English.

In English, the book is called A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides, after Ms Pelicot’s words: “Pour que la honte change de camp (So that shame changes sides)”. It was translated by Natasha Lehrer and Ruth Diver. The audiobook version in English is narrated by actor Emma Thompson.

Queen left ‘speechless’

Ms Pelicot first debuted the book in Paris, and is now on a world tour. She was received in London by Queen Camilla at Clarence House on Monday, February 23. Her partner Jean-Loup Agopian, and her literary and legal team were also present.

"I've met so many survivors of rape and sexual abuse. I never thought I could be shocked by anything anymore, but I was shocked at your case – it left me speechless,” the Queen said.

Ms Pelicot is also set to travel to Germany, Spain and Italy in Europe, before then heading to Canada and the USA. In France, she will also present the book in several cities, including Aix-en-Provence (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur).

Family ‘turned tables on shame’

Ms Pelicot’s daughter, Caroline Darian, has also released a book, called I'll Never Call Him Dad Again in English (Et j'ai cessé de t'appeler Papa), which describes, as well as Caroline’s own story, “how [Gisele] carried on living, without self-pity” even as the extent of her ex-husband’s (and her children’s father’s) crimes were revealed.

Both books aim to “turn the tables” and ensure that “the shame [is] no longer borne by the victims in silence but directed, at last, to the abusers”. 

Gisèle Pelicot has repeatedly said she has never regretted the decision to waive her right to anonymity.

The trial against Dominique Pelicot and dozens of other men accused lasted 16 weeks. It found 46 men guilty of rape, two of attempted rape and two of sexual assault. Mr Pelicot received the maximum jail sentence of 20 years.