what does the novel say about hope in dire times like war ?

I think that hope comes in the kindness of certain characters. Despite the constant fear and death, people like Hans Hubermann risked their lives to help others. Max was able to hide in the Hubermann's basement and Liesel would read to him. Hans would paint over Jewish graffiti. Liesel would be given books by the mayor's wife. All these acts of kindness meant hope: they represented a light in the darkness of Nazi terror that could not be extinguished.