Critics disagreed somewhat over the success of Nashville Chrome, a fictionalized account of the Browns' life story and the burden of fame. All acknowledged that Bass is a master of his craft--from his storytelling abilities to his beautiful, lyrical prose. Here, his descriptions of the Arkansas swamps and the natural world shine. Yet reviewers diverged on a number of issues. A few thought that the best parts of the novel chronicle Maxine's present-day life--and her transition from an ambitious young star to a defeated, regretful old woman. Some, however, thought these sections tedious. Others complained that Bass never really gets inside the Browns' music. Despite these flaws, Nashville Chrome pays the Browns their due--and brings their music and times back to life. This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.