The real story in 'The Many Saints of Newark' is about the Italian - American mafia in Newark. It's about their code of honor, which was often more complex in reality than what is sometimes shown in popular media. It also focuses on family dynamics within the mafia, not just the criminal activities. Family loyalty, respect, and the role of women in that kind of family structure are important aspects of the real story.
The 'The Many Saints of Newark' is a prequel to 'The Sopranos'. It delves into the origin stories of some of the characters. It shows the early days of the Newark crime family, exploring the relationships, power struggles, and the social environment that shaped the characters we know from 'The Sopranos'. For example, it might show how a young Tony Soprano was influenced by the events and people around him during that time.