Hachette Books Ireland acquires 'courageous and ground-breaking' book by Nikita Hand
Hachette Books Ireland has acquired Not the Perfect Victim, a "courageous and ground-breaking" book by Nikita Hand, written with Kathryn Rogers.
Publisher Ciara Considine acquired world rights, with publication scheduled for September 2026. The book will be published by Hachette Books Ireland in trade paperback, e-book and audiobook on 22nd September 2026
"In it, Nikita reflects on the assault that changed her life, the failures she encountered in the search for justice, and the decision that ultimately shaped her future: to pursue a civil case against one of the world’s most high-profile athletes, Conor McGregor," the synopsis says. "What follows is a story marked by fear, resilience and extraordinary personal courage, as she found herself thrust into the public spotlight, prey to a toxic online culture, and ultimately facing four punishing days on the witness stand, laying out the truth of her experience in full."
The blurb adds: "Told with clarity and unflinching honesty, this is a testament to survival, self-possession and the fight to reclaim one’s life in the aftermath of trauma."
Considine said: "Hachette Books Ireland is immensely proud to publish this landmark book. Nikita’s story, told with extraordinary courage, insight and emotional truth, is not only a testament to resilience, but a profound reclamation of her own survivor narrative. Her account reflects Gisèle Pelicot’s conviction that shame must change sides, and Nikita does exactly that, refusing to carry what was never hers to bear. In sharing the full reality of her experience, she shows that no survivor owes perfection, only the truth of their journey. Her voice that will resonate far beyond this publication."
Hand added: "My book is about telling my story in my own words, finding my voice and taking back my power. My hope is that it helps victims and survivors find the courage to use their voices and not be afraid to come forward. I want them to take comfort from my story, knowing that there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Silence protects the perpetrator and money or power can’t be used as weapons against us. I hope my book can help change the stigma around the idea of the perfect victim – to let people know that, no matter who you are or where you come from, your voice and your story matter."
