Terenci Moix developed his second historical novel with the specific aim of expanding upon the story presented in No digas que fue un sueño. A significant moment in this creative process took place during a trip to Morocco in 1985, where Moix came across the historical tale of Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra VII and Antony, and her connection with King Juba II of Mauritania. In an interview with Castellón Diario (8th May 1988, p. 8: "Terenci Moix un escritor catalán que ha ganado gloria escribiendo en castellano y pasa de la política"), a local newspaper in the Valencian Community, conducted in 1988, Terenci Moix disclosed that his fascination with Cleopatra Selene commenced during this visit to Morocco. This narrative served as a platform for the author to intertwine his passions for the Roman and Spanish civilizations and to illuminate a less familiar historical account to a broader audience.
Moix depicts Alexandria as a city rich in cultural diversity, shaped by Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Oriental influences, and he draws parallels to his hometown of Barcelona. The character of Queen Cleopatra Selene embodies this blend of cultures, representing the amalgamation of various traditions and influences.
While most works of Egyptomania focus on the well-known historical figures, Terenci Moix's novel utilizes these established characters to narrate the stories of marginalized figures of particular interest to the author, such as Cleopatra Selene and King Juba II. In these efforts, he is also able to explore supporting characters, like the servants who play a crucial role in the narrative.
Moix's interest in Egypt, as depicted in this book, mirrors his admiration for the landscape of the Atlas Mountains that he encountered during his journey to Morocco. The novel vividly portrays these landscapes, which hold significance in the lives of Cleopatra Selene and Juba II. Moix adeptly recreates the cities he visited during his travels in Morocco, including Volubilis.
Abd El Azim concludes that this specific historical novel by Terenci Moix stands out as the most autobiographical of his works. It delves into the themes of disillusionment and unrequited love, previously explored in No digas que fue un sueño through the ill-fated love story of Cleopatra and Antony. These themes persistently resonate in El sueño de Alejandría.