Kunkel, Benjamin: *1972

Indecision, 2005 - Information about the Book

General Information | Facts | Author | Articles

General Information
- A man diagnosed with abulia (chronic indecision) is given an experimental drug to remedy the condition before leaving on a trip to Ecuador where he plans to reunite with a Dutch beauty from his past.
- Comparison of “Indecision” and “The Catcher in the Rye”
  
  Both “Indecision” and “The Catcher in the Rye” explore themes of indecision and the struggles of young adulthood, but they do so in different contexts and with distinct narrative styles.
  
  Themes and Characters
  "Indecision"
  Protagonist: Dwight Wilmerding is a 28-year-old who embodies the indecisiveness of his generation. He is portrayed as an underachiever who drifts through life without clear goals or direction.
  Themes: The novel addresses themes of aimlessness and existential uncertainty common among young adults in the post-9/11 era. Dwight’s journey includes experimenting with a fictional drug, Abulinix, to cure his indecisiveness.
  Narrative Style: The novel uses humor and social commentary to depict Dwight’s lack of purpose and his quest for meaning.
  
  "The Catcher in the Rye"
  Protagonist: Holden Caulfield is a teenager who has been expelled from school and is struggling with the transition from childhood to adulthood. His indecisiveness is highlighted through his inability to make meaningful connections and decisions.
  Themes: The novel explores themes of alienation, the loss of innocence, and rebellion against societal norms. Holden’s journey through New York City reflects his internal conflict and desire to protect innocence.
  Narrative Style: Salinger’s work is characterized by its introspective narrative and use of stream-of-consciousness to convey Holden’s thoughts and feelings.
  
  Generational Context
  “Indecision” captures the experiences of twenty-somethings in the early 2000s, dealing with post-college uncertainty and societal pressures. It reflects a generation marked by technological changes and economic instability.
  “The Catcher in the Rye” is set in the mid-20th century, capturing post-World War II disillusionment. It reflects the challenges faced by adolescents during a time of cultural conformity and rapid social change.
  
  Conclusion
  While both novels delve into themes of indecision and existential angst, “Indecision” focuses on a slightly older protagonist navigating modern societal challenges, whereas “The Catcher in the Rye” centers on adolescent struggles with identity and belonging in a post-war context. Both works provide poignant insights into their respective generations’ psyche through their protagonists’ journeys.
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Facts
- Awards:
  
  Some of the notable awards are:
  New York Times Notable Book of the Year (2005): "Indecision" was listed as one of the New York Times' Notable Books of the Year, highlighting its impact and reception in the literary world.
  Los Angeles Times Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction (2005): This award is part of the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes, recognizing outstanding first fiction works, and Kunkel's debut novel was among the honored works.
  
  Guardian First Book Award Shortlist (2005): "Indecision" was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, which acknowledges impressive debut works by authors from around the world.
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- Characters
  
  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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- Topics
  
  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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- General Perception
  
  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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Author
- On September 25, 2006 Benjamin Kunkel gave interviews for SwissEduc in Zurich. Hosts:
  Thomas Bodmer
  
  Hans Fischer
- Following are excerpts from these interviews in which Banjamin Kunkel talks about ...
  - the name Wilmerding.
  - Knittel and Heidegger.
  - the political aspects of the book.
  - democratic socialism.
  - what a democratic socialist is.
  - his motivation to write the novel.
  - Dwight's intelligence.
  - Dwight as a representative of our times.
  - Dwight being very hairy.
  - changes in Dwight's life.
  - men like Dwight in real life.
  - the use of drugs.
  - the incest theme.
  - dating in New York.
  - indecisiveness in real life.
- Audio (7:13)
  Scott Simon talks with author Benjamin Kunkel. NPR Radio; July 17, 2011
Articles
- In "Indecision" Kunkel makes a decidedly indifferent debut: "Kunkel's novel shows real promise, the hint of powerful tales to come." Boston Globe; September 18, 2005
- Welcome to the political world, Benjamin Kunkel explains the motivation for his bestselling debut novel, Indecision. Guardian News; November 20, 2005
- Who's Afraid of Holden Caulfield?: "Dwight (or this Mr. Kunkel, who turns out to be pretty great at channeling old Dwight's thoughts) does a swell job of describing what it's like to be high". The New York Times; August 23, 2005
- Audio (7:13)
  Benjamin Kunkel's Tale of "Indecision": "Indecision tells the story of 28-year-old Dwight Wilmerding, who is not so much lonely as bored until he jumps at the chance to try an experimental drug offering him the hope of putting more decisiveness into his life.". NPR Radio; September 17, 2005