The novel opens up with Gene narrating his return to Devon 15 years after he graduates . Why does John Knowles begin the novel this way?

For the first 5 pages of the novel, Knowles tries to hook the reader to the novel. He does this subtly however; he doesn't include dialogue or introduce any main charachters so the reader doesn't become overwhelmed with the story. This is a nice way to start the story, because it gives you time to soak in the information and feel comfortable with the start of a new book (which can be challenging at times). By having the main character walk through the well pictured town, a reader also gets a sense of the authors style.

John Knowless chose to start the book in mid november during a rain storm. The benefits that he got from that setting, were that it help to form the basic feel of the story. If Knowles had started the story in a sunny august setting, the story would be more fast paced; Gene wouldn't have to dodge puddles or get his shoes dirty, and the imagery wouldn't develop as well.

Overall i believe that Knowles was attempting to get the readers more comfortable with the beginning of a new book, as well as attempting to help the readers imagine the novels tones and styles.