This novel constitutes the sequel to El amargo don de la belleza (The Bitter Gift of Beauty), 1996. It was written during a challenging personal period for Terenci Moix, marked by frequent hospitalizations stemming from his fragile health. This work stands as the final literary creation of Terenci Moix before he passed from chronic lung disease. The writing process spanned three years, during which he conducted extensive research to grasp the daily life dynamics of ancient Egypt.
The significant merit of this novel lies in the author's innovative approach to the historical fiction genre. The writer skillfully intertwines elements of literature, cinema, and advertising, while incorporating colloquial language typical of lower social classes. Furthermore, Terenci Moix deliberately incorporates numerous anachronisms to captivate and intrigue the reader. In this sense, this work transcends the conventional historical novel by venturing into the realm of surrealism. Moix artfully weaves together the narrative of Tutankhamun with that of two teenagers—one blind, the other a mischievous character—in alignment with the Spanish literary tradition of picaresque storytelling. Through this narrative technique, Moix adeptly captures the everyday experiences and emotions of his characters, fostering a direct connection between readers and the story being told.
One of the key themes that Terenci Moix aimed to emphasize in his novel is the portrayal of women. The author was particularly intrigued by the depiction of strong, empowered women in Ancient Egypt, a theme more prevalent in this civilization compared to others from ancient or contemporary times. Additionally, it is noted that his selection of Tutankhamun as a central figure was influenced by a request from the publishing house Planeta during the 1980s, as mentioned by Islam Abd El Fattah Abd El Azim. Terenci Moix was promptly captivated by this historical figure.
Terenci Moix's portrayal of Tutankhamun depicts him as a pharaoh of mixed heritage: inheritor of a society influenced by the Amarna heresy, yet subsequently trained to rule over an Egypt that embodies contrasting values and views the Amarna cult as adversarial. This blend is reflected in Terenci Moix himself, who is Catalan and Spanish. The Amarna heresy and the figure of Akhenaten held significant fascination for Terenci Moix, as he perceived the heretic pharaoh as a symbol of liberation and a departure from conventional standards.
The novel achieved direct bestseller status, was awarded the second Fundación José Manuel Lara prize, and its cover showcases an eroticized depiction of an Ancient Egyptian man bearing the likeness of Johnny Depp. This image was crafted by the renowned French kitsch artists Pierre et Gilles, who are well-known for their homoerotic photographs infused with numerous references to pop culture.

Author: Guillermo Juberías Gracia