Determine Author's Tone in Critique

In the following excerpt from a literary critique, the author discusses the work of a renowned contemporary novelist whose themes often revolve around existentialism and human relationships.

The critic notes, however, that while the novelist's characters are brilliantly crafted, the plots themselves often meander aimlessly, creating a sense of frustration in the reader. The critic observes, 'The vibrant characters leap off the page, yet they often find themselves lost in narratives that seem to lack direction. This dissonance between character depth and narrative cohesion raises an unsettling question: are we to admire the complexity of these figures, or lament the aimlessness of their journeys?' This critique is part of a broader analysis of modern literature.