SOLVED. Boy finds rare novel, collectors item; antogonist of book (burned man) stalks him. Boy meets girl, falls in love. [s]

[Jade]

I read a book a couple of years ago. The author's style of writing is somewhat similar to Neil Gaiman's. In fact that's how I found it. I'd be very grateful if you can tell me the author or title of the book. Thanks!

(May contain spoilers)

The book's about a boy who finds a rare novel, a priced collectors item written by an unknown author. The book is considered rare because someone has been looking for the copies of the book to burn it.

As the boy reads the book, the antagonist of the book (a burned man) apparently 'stalks' him. The boy thinks that the antagonist is actually alive. When he met a girl and fall in love, the burned man stalks him all the more.

Then he figures out something about the author of the book. He was in love with someone but the girl's parent is against their relationship. When the girl gets pregnant they locked her in a room until she gives birth. From what I can remember I think the girl dies.

The boy also meets the burned man and they become friends in the end.

[K.]

Maybe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón? It's very similar to what you're describing.

[Jade]

Thanks! It's the one I've been looking for.