Sir Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, said: “Sometimes it is not enough to do our best, we must do what is required” (29). This motivational attitude was clearly depicted in Rich Cohen's biographical novel, The Fish That Ate the Whale. Cohen focused primarily on the life of Russian immigrant Samuel Zemurray; about how a boy of about sixteen years old compared to the "fish" lands in the land of opportunity and ends up becoming a popular and powerful figure in both politics and business through the banana market compared to the "whale". Cohen also defines a vivid and profound description of people, places and events that is related to Samuel Zemurray on his path to great triumphs. Most reviewers of this book have critically acclaimed it saying, "Cohen talks about bananas, their cultivation, harvesting, shipping, selling, and consumption: a success story of supply and demand for Zemurray and others like him. This is a popular history and biography at its best" (Bloyd 82). It is Cohen's excellent ability in his work and research to provide a picture of the story to readers side by side as Zemurray's life story gradually progresses. Zemurray's biography is written in four parts: Green, Yellow, Ripe and Brown. In the Mystery chapter, Cohen presents a flood of allegories about Zemurray's greatest risks and crucial decisions including a plan to trigger revolution in Honduras, a decision that does not indicate the best of Zemurray's work but indicates his need to rule an empire (Cohen 75). Cohen's approach in providing detailed information and rationalization of characters and places in Zemurray's biography enhances deeper understanding among readers why Cohen not only... middle of paper... That Ate the Whale, Rich Cohen goes beyond simple biography writing and strives to guide its readers to achieve a historical contextual knowledge that leads to a clear and profound understanding of Zemurray's life. Cohen follows his biography but also manages to provide valuable historical information to readers. The introduction is the key to understanding a literary work, and Cohen's genre of writing to cast a historical scenario mindset on readers has become successful in doing so. Cohen's work on Zemurray's biography motivates literary enthusiasts to recognize his genre to reflect on history and culture as a whole as a process of constructing a quality literary work. Inspiration is the fuel that ignites the abilities within oneself, and Cohen's work, thanks to its unique and successful genre, will inspire the future of the world of literature..