So Far, So Good: On connection, loss, laughter and the Torres Strait

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

I am a descendant of the Samu and Koedal clans of Sabai Island. My people are warriors, but we are storytellers too. On his long path to success from aspiring professional footballer to actor, director and producer for every opportunity Aaron FaAoso had, there were setbacks and heartache. He was six when his father and grandfather both died. His fiercely proud mother and even fiercer grandmother dug deep to raise Aaron and his brothers. Belief in himself as a warrior literally and metaphorically made him into a fighter, for better and for worse. A month into Aarons second marriage, and just as his acting career was flourishing, his new wife took her own life. In the dark years that followed, Aaron eventually found strength and meaning in his family and in his beloved Torres Strait community. In So Far, So Good, he talks frankly about love, pain, making mistakes and finding happiness again, as well as the impacts of racism and the challenges of remote communities. A rich and vivid reflection on life told with generosity, humour, emotion and optimism. Aaron doesnt shy away from his most intimate feelings which makes this an honest and deeply affecting story. Its a love letter to family, community and culture that is full of laugh-out-loud moments, heartbreaking lessons and the importance of what really matters in this life. Truly inspiring. Deborah Mailman I dont know anyone whos lived such a life. This is a compelling read. Of a man whos endured so much so early. Of a man connected to his people and fiercely proud of who he is. Whos come out the other end an artist. A pure storyteller who, because of his trials, has found a compassionate voice full of dignity. Inspiring. Matt Nable

Author Bio

Aaron FaAoso is a Torres Strait Islander film producer, director, screenwriter and actor. He is known for his roles in RAN: Remote Area Nurse, East West 101, The Straits, Black Comedy, and as the presenter of Strait to the Plate and Going Places with Ernie Dingo. Aaron is the executive director of his own film and television production company, Lone Star, which created the documentary series Blue Water Empire, about the history of the Torres Strait Islands. Aaron is a board member of Screen Queensland and belongs to several government and not-for-profit advisory committees. He holds a Masters Degree of Film Business from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Michelle Scott Tucker is the author of Elizabeth Macarthur: A Life at the Edge of the World a biography of the woman who established the Australian wool industry (although her husband received all the credit). Elizabeth Macarthur was shortlisted for the 2019 NSW State Library Ashurst Business Literature Prize and the 2019 CHASS Australia Book Prize.