Books Quote by Sara Sheridan
““In crime books it's possible to chart forensic technology by how well it has to be explained to a reader. In mid-Victorian crime novels fingerprinting has to be explained because it's new. Nowadays it's part of our world and we can simply assume that knowledge if we write about it.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Crime Fiction and Forensic Science, Sara Sheridan, 2020
Modern readers accept forensic details as background, reflecting how technology becomes invisible when it is familiar.
In simple terms: We stop explaining tech once it feels normal.
Key Takeaway
Use familiar tech to deepen story realism without over‑explaining.
Themes
literature
technology
forensic science
reader expectations
Mood
informative
reflective
Type
educational
analytical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- educational material
- public outreach
Key Concepts
narrative technique
cultural assimilation
science communication
Questions to Reflect On
- When should a writer explain technical details?
- How does familiarity with tech shape genre expectations?
A Different Perspective
Assuming knowledge can alienate readers unfamiliar with the tech.
