A Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides is a powerful and confronting memoir that tells Gisele Pelicot’s journey from betrayal and abuse to courage, faith and the reclaiming of her voice.
Key points:
- A survivor’s voice reclaimed: A Hymn to Life tells Gisele Pelicot’s story from her own perspective, confronting betrayal, abuse and the complex grief that follows shattered trust.
- Shame is not the final word: Through faith and courage, the book challenges misplaced shame and affirms dignity, identity and worth beyond public labels or others’ crimes.
- An invitation to compassion and action: Pelicot shares her story to ensure other survivors feel less alone and to call society to greater responsibility and care.
Warning: This book contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse; reader discretion is advised.
Where do you run when everything you believed turns out to be a lie? Who do you turn to when you suddenly realise the person you loved and trusted the most is revealed as your most dangerous enemy?
Gisele Pelicot lived a beautiful life. She had a devoted husband, loving children, and while their life wasn’t easy, they made it work. They made it special.
Until one day, when her husband is caught filming women in a supermarket, Gisele’s entire fairytale is turned upside down and inside out.
Shame Has to Change Sides
A Hymn To Life covers one of the most heinous sex-abuse scandals in history. It is Gisele’s personal account of her life from childhood to present day, and what an empowering read it is.
I give this book 5 stars.
There is no risk of spoilers with this book as the media coverage has not been shy. However, to hear this story told from the victim’s perspective is powerful. It shows us that even when abuse is present, there is still room for confusion and grief over love lost. Happy memories aren’t simply wiped clean at the exposure of horrific details. Seasons of laughter and warmth are not easily forgotten when you’re looking into the face of the man who harmed you, but who you grew up with.
Yet Gisele chose to share her story publicly in the hopes that other victims would not feel alone and remember the power their voice holds.
Shame has no place in the Kingdom of God
As believers of Jesus we know that shame has no place in His kingdom. Isaiah 50:7 reminds us that “The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame”.
We know that our identity isn’t found in what a human says about us, or what label a newspaper tries to tar us with – we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and that is something we need to cling to in our darkest days.
While this book includes graphic descriptions of the sexual abuse she experienced, Gisele shares her story with tact and a real sense of calm. The honesty in her words can only come from someone who has looked out and realised her story is not uncommon – there are many others living a life of pain, and the world needs to stand up and do something about it.
If you are mentally in a strong place, I encourage you to read this book and to pray for the many victims of sexual abuse that live all around us. Pray for those who are using their voice to try to make this world a safer place.
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If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Visit our Careline page with emergency numbers and helpful counselling services for more support.
Feature image: Book Cover by Penguin Books Australia
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