Up First from NPR Gisèle Pelicot Tells Her Story
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Feb 15, 2026 
Gisèle Pelicot, a French survivor and author who testified in a landmark mass rape trial and wrote A Hymn to Life, tells her story of trauma and resilience. She explains why she wrote the memoir. She describes discovering police photos, confronting shame, the family fallout, and decisions to go public. She speaks about global support, seeking justice, and choosing love and dignity moving forward.
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Shocking Moment Of Recognition
- Gisèle Pelicot described seeing police photos and not recognizing herself or her bedroom.
- She says the realization hit like a high-speed train and she dissociated for hours afterward.
Perpetrators Hid In Plain Sight
- Gisèle recounts meeting one of the men later at a bakery and not suspecting him.
- She explains Mr. Pelicot had arranged for men to "check her out" while she shopped and set up excuses to visit the house.
Holding Onto Happy Memories
- Gisèle refuses to erase 50 years of happy memories despite the crimes.
- She preserves the good parts to keep living while attempting to discard the darkness.
