Both Sides of the Same Coin - Michael Weiner

The Doyle, Carbone, and Roth families immigrate to the United States from Europe for a variety of reasons: the 1850 potato famine in Ireland, religious freedom, and persecution of the mafia in Sicily by Mussolini in 1925. It is the appearance of Oscar Klein, an orphan from Philadelphia, which brings them all together in the post-depression, pre-World War II era of the late 1930s to 1940s. Oscar Klein is a kid of the streets without formal education, but he becomes the driving force and innovator. His ideas shape, mold, and secure the future of his colleagues, Patrick Doyle and Anthony Carbone. Together they create KCD Incorporated, purchase taxi medallions, and own and operate parking garages, private clubs, and restaurants. Oscar marries Mildred Stein-a wedding not to be missed at the Plaza Hotel attended by the New York City elite, including Anthony's father, Luca Carbone, the Mafia Don and head of the Cosa Nostra in New York. Together they build success and give back to the community. However, with accomplishments come unavoidable heartbreak and misfortune, illness, drug addiction, and death. Follow the saga of four families that combines historical events with the personal dramas of its characters.