Reread if novel somewhat lacking in atmosphere? (8)
I believe the answer is:
rarefied
'somewhat lacking in atmosphere?' is the definition.
(as in thin or rarefied air)
'reread if novel' is the wordplay.
'novel' indicates an anagram.
'reread'+'if'='rereadif'
'rereadif' with letters rearranged gives 'RAREFIED'.
(Other definitions for rarefied that I've seen before include "Select" , "'Of lower pressure than average, at high altitudes (8)'" , "Exalted; exclusive; thin" , "Refined or made less dense" , "Lofty - thin (of air)" .)