Absorbing even trite fiction (9)
I believe the answer is:
retentive
'absorbing' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'even trite fiction' is the wordplay.
'even trite' can be anagrammed to 'RETENTIVE'.
Though, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for retentive that I've seen before include "Able to store memories etc" , "(Of memory) seldom forgetting" , "(Of memory) effective in holding information" , "Not forgetful" , "must be able not to leak it maybe!" .)