Is it possible you had a higher level character with better gear the last time you played, and now experience it more difficult by not having those benefits?

I'm pretty sure you weren't able to parry trolls with wooden shields even at launch. Not entirely sure everything that goes into the blocking/parrying mechanics, but I've also started over and no, I'm not trying to block or parry the trolls from the start. Getting better shields was always a fairly high priority.

Without a shield to parry, I tend to move around to avoid getting hit, and either jab them with an upgraded flint spear, or throw it at them.