Sam Savage: The Criminal Life of Effie O

Illustrated poem, novel-in-verse, Sam Savage has written a children’s book for adults.  With simple, deft verse he sketched out characters readers can really care about.

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In his introduction to The Criminal Life of Effie O, Sam Savage (a.k.a. The Old Rat) explains that he wanted to write a children’s book for his kids, but they grew up. This hilarious and touching illustrated novel-in-verse is what he wrote instead.  It is composed in rhyme by a skillful hand, and illustrated with charming line drawings by Virginia Beverley. 

As is the case in folk tales and children’s stories, simple shorthand is employed.  Substitute “suburbs” for “dark woods” and “the city” for “the enchanted castle.” This urban/suburban, good/bad equation is employed without comment. For his purposes Savage needs “Wal-Mart,” “subdivision” and assorted familiars to stand in for the stultifying malaise that often overcomes relationships, and individuals.

He might even say that “suburbs” have happened to both of Savage’s main characters. The eponymous Effie O is the love child souvenir of her mother Janet’s wide-ranging youth. Janet settled down from life on the road in order to raise and support Effie, yet 15 years later neither are happy with the life stability and prosperity has brought. Janet expresses her frustration in overwork and alcohol. Effie takes hers out on walls, benches, toilet stalls, and anything else she can hit with a can of spray paint.  Effie steals to support her graffiti habit, and is caught. 

In this selection, Child Psychologist Dr. Zell and Effie have an encounter.

After a dis-

harmonious hour

with Effie in his office,

Zell has a diagnosis

of the odd moroseness

that has her lately

so peaked and pasty.

*

He asked her questions (pried)

and Effie answered (lied).

*

He knew that she was lying.

She knew what he was trying. (1)

From therapist’s office Effie’s story careens through DSS, the courts, and eventually a juvenile correctional facility. Janet is having her own problems both at work and in the gated community where her how-did-I-end-up-here-from-where-I-started mid-life crisis is putting her at odds with the status quo. 

While in real life these events would be troubling, in the hands of a wise and benevolent poet this is the thread from which an uplifting story is woven. Savage understands and respects both troubled youth and middle-aged bureaucrat. He even issues an apology to hard-working teachers and social workers who might feel insulted by their analogs in the book. One comes away from The Criminal Life of Effie O with renewed compassion for self and others.  Well done.

1) Savage, Sam. The Criminal Life of Effie O. (Madison: Papas and Nellie Press. 2005.) 75-76.

For more information about illustration of poetry, image in poetry, and other related topics, please visit my articles on Journal: the short life and mysterious death of Amy Zoe Mason, Illustrated Poetry, and Janet Holmes' The Green Tuxedo.