Dwight Wilmerding - The protagonist. Dwight is a 28-year-old New Yorker who works at a pharmaceutical company and suffers from chronic indecision. His journey towards self-discovery is the central plot of the novel.

Vaneetha - Dwight's friend and potential love interest. She is an assertive and confident woman who influences Dwight's thoughts and actions significantly.

Brigid - Dwight's college friend and ex-girlfriend. Their complicated relationship adds depth to Dwight's character and his struggles with commitment and decision-making.

Natasha - Dwight's sister. She plays a supportive role in Dwight's life, offering him advice and perspective.

Dan - Dwight's best friend. Dan's life and decisions often contrast sharply with Dwight's, highlighting Dwight's indecisiveness.

Aurora - A Belgian woman Dwight meets during his travels. Her character represents a turning point in Dwight's journey, challenging his perceptions and pushing him towards making significant life decisions.

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Indecision and Inaction
Dwight's inability to make decisions is a central theme. His indecisiveness affects his career, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.

Quarter-Life Crisis
The novel captures the essence of a quarter-life crisis, reflecting the struggles and uncertainties faced by many young adults in their late twenties.

Modern Society and Capitalism
Kunkel critiques contemporary society and capitalism, highlighting how they contribute to feelings of alienation and indecision.

Pharmaceutical Culture
Dwight experiments with a fictional drug called Abulinix, which is supposed to cure his indecision. This reflects on the broader theme of the pharmaceutical industry's influence on modern life and the search for quick fixes to deep-seated problems.

Relationships and Love
Dwight's romantic entanglements and his evolving relationship with Vaneetha, a woman he meets during his journey, are crucial to his personal development.

Search for Identity and Purpose
The novel explores Dwight's journey towards self-discovery and his quest for meaning in a seemingly directionless life.

Globalization and Travel
Dwight's travels to Ecuador introduce themes of globalization and cultural exchange, providing a contrast to his stagnant life in New York.

Satire and Humor
Kunkel uses satire and humor to address serious topics, making the novel both thought-provoking and entertaining.

These themes combine to create a rich narrative that examines the existential dilemmas of contemporary life, particularly for young adults navigating the complexities of modern society.

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The book received a mix of critical acclaim and some critique upon its release.

The novel was praised for its insightful commentary on the anxieties and uncertainties of the modern era, particularly among the millennial generation.

Kunkel's writing style, characterized by sharp, witty prose and a mix of humor and pathos, was well-received. His ability to blend philosophical musings with comedic elements was noted as a strength.

Some critics found the plot meandering and felt that the pacing could be slow at times. A few reviewers felt that while the novel was entertaining, it sometimes lacked depth in its philosophical and social insights. The existential questions raised were viewed by some as not being fully explored.

"Indecision" made a notable impact as a debut novel, establishing Benjamin Kunkel as a promising new voice in literature. It captured the zeitgeist of its time, reflecting the uncertainties faced by young adults in a rapidly changing world. Despite some criticisms, the novel's humor, relatability, and cultural commentary have made it a significant work of contemporary fiction.

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