The brutally honest and culturally enlightening life story (so far) of one of Australia’s most prolific Torres Strait Islander creatives.
Feature image credit: Pantera Press
Aaron Fa’Aoso (pronounced far-so, which gives the book’s title an added meaning) is a prominent and recognisable face. He’s been seen on Australia’s TV screens for a significant part of the 21st Century, from East West 101 to Black Comedy. He regularly appears on The Project, as well as in SBS content, which he devises, develops, and delivers.
While only in his mid-40s, Fa’Aoso has lived quite the life and, despite jibes about being too young to do so, he has delivered a powerhouse autobiography which reflects on his life and its many facets – son, father, sportsman, entertainer and, most importantly of all, Torres Strait Islander.
Fa’Aoso’s life has not been a smooth road to success. When only six years of age, he lost both his father and grandfather, leaving his Nan and Mum to raise him and his brothers, while dealing with their own losses. Sadly, loss is something that would become a key element of his life, continuing to this very day.
In So Far, So Good, Fa’Aoso is brutal in his honest assessment of himself, his life choices, and actions — from his lack of willingness to commit professionally (detailing his Rugby League and creative career stumbles) to his personal relationship choices (he is three-times married and lost his second wife to suicide). He pulls no punches when ascribing the blame to himself.
He reflects upon his life journey from rebellious, hard-living teen to his time in the world of professional Rugby League, and his engagement with First Nations arts and culture, through dance and theatre and the spiritual connection to country that drives his creative force.
There is also the great work that has come from a hard-lived life. Fa’Aoso has delivered some of the most accessible Torres Strait Islander content to the screen, highlighting the plight of the Islanders, impacted by Climate Change, while simultaneously working to better the opportunities available to those in the region.
This book contains detail of the significance and importance of cultural heritage and identity — not only to Fa’aoso, but to all First Nations people — and the need to hold onto and protect that connection, for future generations, that drives him to continue to deliver the works that he creates within his own production company.
So Far, So Good stands alongside the most recent First Nations autobiographies — including those by Uncle Jack Charles and Uncle Archie Roach – not only for its honesty and courage in telling his true story, but for its focus on the similarities and differences between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Co-written with Michelle Scott Tucker, So Far, So Good will leave a lasting impression, much like the man himself has done.
Reviewed by Glen Christie
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not necessarily of Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Pantera Press Australia
Released: October 2022
RRP: $32.99
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