1848. In Ottoman-occupied Montenegro, young doctor Vanko Winczlav is one of the leaders of a popular uprising. Betrayed, wanted by the authorities, he flees the Balkans for the United States in the company of a Bulgarian refugee, Veska, whom he marries to allow her to enter New York legally. So begins the history of a family closely entwined with that of a still new country going through many transformations.

1910, Oklahoma. Thomas Winczlav, Milan's son, sees his life turned upside down when he learns he is the heir to the O'Casey distilleries - a colossal fortune he'll have to share with his twin sister Lisa, who lives in France. As the First World War begins, a sometimes naive, often flighty Tom will do his best to run his new business; meanwhile, the aviation-obsessed Lisa will carve herself a place in the skies of Europe, dominated by a certain Red Baron.

Belarus, in Soviet times. Irina is an unremarkable young woman growing up in an orphanage. One night, a mysterious visitor demands to see her and her best friend Julia. The latter goes first, then Irina is told she won't be needed after all. The next day, Julia has vanished without a trace... Thus begins a quest for truth and vengeance, from Minsk to Moscow to Washington - one that will lead Irina to discover her true calling.

1965. The growing financial empire of the Winch family is now in the hands of Nerio, Tom's young son. And Nerio, who stands barely above five feet, whose schoolmates always despised because his only friend was the son of his African-American nanny, whom women never so much as looked at ... thirsts for power. Meanwhile, back in a Montenegro now under the boot of Yugoslav dictator Tito, is born little Danitza, great-great-grand-niece to one Vanko Winczlav...