Is the author of this book leading the reader (which is elie) to hope or despair?

I think there is nothing but despair. Hope only comes by way of politics and war. For much of the novel humanity has forsaken the Jews and let millions die without a word. The fact that the Russians and Americans, who saved many Jews, beat the Germans had little to do with the Jewish plight. For most of the novel, there is no hope for Elie and other Jews from an indifferent world.