Od jutri v Delovem podlistku; Gisèle Pelicot, zgodba, ki je pretresla svet

From tomorrow, readers will have access to one of this year’s most anticipated and impactful books, Živim naprej, the memoirs of Gisèle Pelicot, a woman whose story has shaken France and the world. Published in Delo’s supplement, the book offers a powerful account of personal tragedy transformed into a public fight for dignity among many other women. The narrative recounts how Gisèle Pelicot turned her deeply personal ordeal into a broader campaign against sexual violence. After the revelation of her husband Dominique Pelicot’s crimes, she chose to speak out, rejecting anonymity and ensuring that neither victims nor perpetrators remained hidden. Her message was clear: shame must belong to those who commit abuse, not to those who suffer. This decision led to her becoming a symbol of resilience, inspiring countless others to seek justice and reclaim their lives. What makes her story particularly harrowing is the prolonged betrayal she endured. For nearly ten years, Dominique Pelicot, who had been her husband for almost five decades and the father of their three children, secretly organized sexual assaults against her. He would drug her, render her unconscious, and record his actions, all while keeping these acts hidden from her. Between 2011 and 2020, he invited other men to their home in Mazan to participate in these abuses, unaware that Gisèle had no knowledge of these activities. When the truth emerged in September 2020, it shattered not just her marriage, but also the foundation of her life, trust, and identity. Despite the devastation, Gisèle did not allow herself to succumb to despair. The book is not a tale of vengeance, but rather a testament to her determination to rebuild her life after such profound betrayal. The title, translated into multiple languages including Slovenian, reflects her unyielding spirit. In interviews following its release, she described the process of reconstructing her life as akin to rebuilding from ruins. She did not want to destroy herself; instead, she sought to rise again. The impact of Živim naprej extends far beyond France. The book was released simultaneously in approximately 22 languages and reached the top of bestseller lists in countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Norway. French publication Le Monde highlighted that Gisèle told her story “without pathos,” focusing instead on reclaiming her own narrative. The British Guardian called it a compelling account of trauma and transformation, emphasizing its power to inspire change. Critics across the board agree that the book transcends being merely a recounting of crime. It is ultimately about what remains when someone tries to take away memory, dignity, and a sense of safety. Gisèle Pelicot’s journey is not just one of survival, but of empowerment, a beacon of hope for those who have suffered similar betrayals. Her story continues to resonate globally, offering both a warning and a rallying cry for those fighting against gender-based violence.