"I thought it was time for a tough, smart, likable female private investigator, and that's how VI came to life"

Sara Paretsky's quote speaks with the requirement for strong female characters in literature. She wanted to produce a female private detective who was tough, clever, and likable. This character, VI, was substantiated of the requirement for a strong female lead in a genre that is typically controlled by male characters. Paretsky's quote talks to the importance of representation in literature and the requirement for strong female characters who can be role models for young women. It likewise speaks to the power of literature to produce characters that can influence and empower readers. By developing VI, Paretsky has given readers a strong female character who can be appreciated and admired.