Oslo, Norway – Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman who became a global symbol of resilience after publicly detailing years of abuse, will visit Oslo on June 9th for a public reading at the University of Oslo’s Aula, her publisher, Gyldendal, confirmed today.
Pelicot’s memoir, “En hyllest til livet” (“A Tribute to Life”), was globally released on February 17th and has rapidly ascended bestseller lists across Europe, currently topping the Norwegian non-fiction charts. The book has also reached number one in France, Germany, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, according to Gyldendal.
The memoir details Pelicot’s experience of being drugged and subjected to repeated sexual assault by her husband, Dominique Pelicot, and over 50 other men over nearly a decade. Her decision to waive anonymity during the trial, and publicly confront her abusers, sparked international acclaim and a re-evaluation of societal attitudes towards sexual violence and victim-blaming. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with fifty other men convicted of related offenses.
Lars Røtterud, editor and publisher at Gyldendal, described the reception to the book as “extraordinary,” stating, “I don’t experience I’ve ever seen such a unanimous acclaim for a book, in all the markets it’s been published in.” He added that the book’s success is a testament to Pelicot’s courage and the power of her message.
Pelicot’s story has resonated widely, attracting attention from prominent figures including Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom, who, in a personal letter, acknowledged Pelicot’s inspiration to women worldwide and her creation of “a powerful legacy that will forever change the narrative of shame,” as reported by the BBC. She has also appeared on the covers of Elle and Vogue, and received praise from actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
The impact of Pelicot’s story extends beyond the book itself. Documentaries have been made about her case, a theatrical adaptation is planned for performance in Norway, and discussions are underway regarding a potential film adaptation. Pelicot herself expressed a desire for any adaptations to remain faithful to her experience, stating to VG, “I hope that what is made is true to who I am.”
The English-language audiobook version of “A Tribute to Life” is narrated by Emma Thompson and has turn into Penguin Random House’s fastest-selling audiobook ever, according to Gyldendal.
Notably, Pelicot’s former husband, Dominique Pelicot, has expressed interest in publishing his own account of events, though no publishing agreements have been reached as of today, according to his literary agent, Susanne Lea.
Pelicot’s European tour began in France and included a stop in London, where she received a standing ovation. Following her appearance in Oslo, she is scheduled to continue to the United States.