Sharp, poetic in its prose, and with a mystery (and setting) reminiscent of classic noir, “Even Though I Knew The End” was a novella I burned through much quicker than I thought I would. (Usually, it takes me a week or two to read one!) Unfortunately, the short page count rushed some of the characterization and worldbuilding, but I enjoyed reading nonetheless. I especially appreciated the inclusion of secret queer bars, and how while they made room for beautiful relationships like Helen and Edith’s to bloom, they weren’t havens: ultimately (and unfortunately) they were the only place queer folks could actually exist as all of themselves. I think a couple of historical fiction books tend to glamourize that (perhaps unintentionally), but with the bits of commentary embedded in the asylum segment, there wasn’t room for that.

Besides that, though, I loved the atmosphere. Some of the imagery was incredible, but this also felt relatively grounded in its 1940’s setting. (Especially with its portrayal of women’s and queer issues.)

Perhaps it’s just going to take a while for the implications to truly set in, but I wasn’t as devastated by the ending as I expected to be based on the title and reviews. But I would still like to check out more of C.L. Polk’s stuff, this was great.