Elle - The book behind the award-winning film

The spine-chilling psychological thriller behind Paul Verhoeven's Oscar-nominated film

Michèle seems indestructible. Head of a leading video game company, she brings the same ruthless attitude to her love life as to business, but when she is attacked in her home by an unknown assailant, her life changes forever. Michèle has almost no recollection of her attacker but she senses his presence – he is never far away – and this uncanny feeling triggers a whirlwind of events and memories. She begins to fear she is losing her grip on a life already complicated by a demanding job, an ex-husband, a jealous lover and a son trapped in a relationship with his girlfriend pregnant by another man.

Hardened by the consequences of her father’s violent past, Michèle – fiercely independent and unsentimental – refuses to be reduced to a victim. When her rapist begins taunting her with messages, she takes measures to protect herself until she discovers his identity.