It's basically part of the steampunk genre within Science Fiction. For part of the world, Victorian manners and morals have returned, along with advanced nanotechnology. It is explicitly stated that the moral decay of the late 20th century was rejected and a return to "proper values" had been found beneficial.
A major plot device is an extremely advanced book (powered by nanotechnology) which is used to raise a poor orphan girl in the equivalent of a Victorian slum.
She mostly interacts with her book which is very responsive, but which is, essentially, a computer. Little Nell is extremely smart and extremely well educated, but she is "different". At one point she is interacting with a human who is, of course, a member of police society --
"Nell, you must be aware that your unusual upbringing may be a handicap. You must mind the protocol."
"Explain protocol."
"Well, that's what I mean. You can't just say 'Explain protocol'. People expect something a bit more ... conversational."
"Miss Haversham, if it would not unduly occupy your time, would you be good enough to educate me somewhat on the meaning and social importance of this practice which you have identified as 'protocol'?"
This does not really set Miss Haversham at ease.
police = polite