I recall the book being far more focused on the main character, and I don't recall the main even having had a family. As for the "hero" elements given to Cruise, I find this sort of thing to be a mere ego boost for the lead, as opposed to sharing the fame with the entire crew, although in this film the actors all have such tiny parts with the exception of Cruise and his kids.
**** BOOK SPOILERS ****
Yeah, the book is writen in the first person. The narrator has a wife who he gets seperated from. There is also a part in the middle of the book that switches the focus to his brother's exit from London.
~Mike
