Gisèle Pelicot's book and international tour
Gisèle Pelicot, the author of Et la joie de vivre, has been traveling internationally since the book's release in February, sharing her personal story and experiences with audiences around the world. Interview with M le Mag on her current life
In an interview with M le Mag, the magazine of Le Monde, published on October 31, Pelicot spoke about her current life and the emotional impact of her public appearances. She described her recent experiences as "beautiful" and said she now feels "only sweetness" after enduring difficult times. Public reception and readers' connection
During the first 32 stops of her international tour, Pelicot has been received as a heroine by her readers, many of whom have shared personal stories that sometimes mirror her own experiences. Dominique Pelicot's criminal convictions
Pelicot's former husband, Dominique Pelicot, was found guilty of drugging, raping, and delivering her unconscious to dozens of strangers over nearly ten years and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Fifty other men were also found guilty of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault and were imprisoned. Pelicot's message to other victims
Pelicot expressed a "responsibility" toward victims of violence who may not yet feel ready to speak out. She shared that some women look at her and wonder if they have the strength to file a report, and she aims to give them the message that they should seek help and that they cannot do it alone. Emotional response to public interest
Pelicot reflected on her emotional response to the public's reception, stating that one cannot get used to such experiences. She acknowledged that eventually, people will be less interested in her story, which she believes is a positive development. Life after the abuse and moving to Ré
She recalled June 2021, before her public recognition and before her husband's trial began, when she moved to the island of Ré, less than a year after discovering the abuse. Friends accompanied her during this time, even though she remained optimistic. Belief in her good fortune
Pelicot shared that she has always believed in her good fortune, saying, "I have always believed in my lucky star. I told myself: 'I can't touch the bottom anymore, because I already have. I can only climb back up.'" Looking to the future
Looking to the future, Pelicot anticipates a time when the public's interest will wane, but she is not afraid. She emphasized that she never gets bored, has friends, children, and family, and is confident she will adapt to her new life.
