While 'A Dry White Season' is a work of fiction, it draws heavily upon the social and political realities of apartheid in South Africa. Brink himself was a vocal critic of the regime, and his writing often explored the themes of racial injustice and oppression.

While understanding the historical context enhances the reading experience, the novel's exploration of universal themes like justice, morality, and the human condition gives it a timeless relevance that transcends specific historical settings.

The 'dry white season' refers to a time of drought and hardship. It serves as a metaphor for the moral and spiritual desolation of South Africa under apartheid. The title also hints at the personal struggles and sacrifices that Du Toit endures throughout the novel.