the true deceiver by tove jansson (trans. thomas teal)

 It's the quintessential "adult" book not in sex or gore, but depictions of cynicism and social norms. Short and sparse, but all the loops are closed neatly and the themes play out perfectly. Not comparing this to roald dahl because of the Scandinavians writing about coldness trope, but an author of slightly disquieting children's work going no holds barred unsentimentality for adult novels. 

woman on the edge of time by marge piercy

The whole thing was basically two layers of the noble-savage trope, but given how long ago this was written, it was pretty imaginative and politically motivating. The writing was good, but from my point of view, the "ethnic" aspect of the voice was overdone. 

transfigurations by michael bishop

The writing is good, there are some quite interesting parts, and overall it seems aware not only of what biological anthropology "is" but what biological anthropology "is for".