At 92 years old, Margery Silver has accomplished something extraordinary — she has published her first book of poetry, Light in Dark Spaces, a collection of 52 poems released by Finishing Line Press on November 29th. 
 
Silver, who spent 20 years as a neuropsychologist and previously worked as an editor for The Atlantic and various Boston-based book publishers, has always had a deep appreciation for words. However, it wasn’t until 12 years ago, while attending a poetry workshop at Lasell Village, that she rediscovered her passion for writing poetry. 
 
To celebrate the release of Light in Dark Spaces, Silver held a book signing event at The Village on January 12th, which drew an impressive audience of 90 attendees.  

 
“What I really feel so good about is that I have been able to accomplish something so new at this stage of my life,” said Silver. “I have always loved working with words, so this is truly fitting.” 
 
Silver’s literary journey is not her first foray into publishing. In 1999, she co-authored a research book about individuals living to 100 years old. However, Light in Dark Spaces marks her debut as a solo author of poetry. 
 
She is not alone in this creative pursuit. Fellow poetry workshop participant Shirley Goldberg, 99, also recently self-published her own poetry collection, Fall Leaves.  
 
Lasell University graduate Chloe Kinteris ’23, designed the cover for Goldberg’s book after the two were introduced by Professors Ken Calhoun and Sara Large. 
 
The workshop, led by Professor Sara Large, meets every other Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
 
Silver, who moved to Lasell Village in 2001, completed her doctoral work in counseling and consulting psychology at Harvard just before her 50th birthday and later pursued a postdoctoral specialization in neuropsychology. She originally began her academic journey at Barnard College before transferring to Simmons University after getting married. 
 
Lasell Village has a long history with regard to residents and their love of poetry. Former Lasell Village resident and trustee, Freddy Frankel had two books of poetry published during his years at the Village - Hottentot Venus: Poems of Apartheid and In a Stone’s Hollow.