What do you count as a good transgressive story?

[Neda]

I'm doing research about Transgressive Fiction readers, I'd like to know what is a good transgressive story for you? Why?

[Maltheus]

In short, I'd call a transgressive story good when it does not rely on shock value exclusively, but rather transgresses boundaries of taste, morals, or perspectives. Houellebecq is a master in this regard; before he even sets the stakes for his main characters, he shows a world in change which starts to twist the hero's idea of society. That is the moment when transgressions truly sting.

[Jason]

Maltheus wrote: "In short, I'd call a transgressive story good when it does not rely on shock value exclusively, but rather transgresses boundaries of taste, morals, or perspectives. Houellebecq is a master in this..."

I agree, just trying to shock you becomes comical after a while, you've still gotta have your story...The shock factor is just a bonus.

[Jason]

Good transgressive literature reveals the boundaries and limitations of society and culture. Boundaries of propriety are often invisible until they get transgressed and then it becomes obvious that some kind of norm has been violated. That is why transgression can be shocking. I would say a good transgressive story force you, often in an uncomfortable way, to confront your perceptions of what is correct. Therefore it usually has to have some kind of purpose; it can't be transgression for the sake of transgression. Of course, when I say that, it becomes a type of rule for me so that rule becomes subject to transgression in and of itself. Maybe you can only go so far with transgression before you become a dog chasing its own tail. But really rules need to exist in order for transgression to take place. I would expect that a good transgressive story shows me what rules exit and helps me to question what their value or use truly is.

[Jason]

The author's sincerity is important too, although I realize that is a highly subjective statement to make. Reading or writing transgressive fiction just because it is the latest trend doesn't sit well with me. It makes those writings look fake, shallow, and forgettable. Facebook and Twitter are almost entirely full of fake people so I prefer authenticity of intent in my literature.