I didn't die until after the boss fight (Uchigatana bastard), as a DS vet (also most of us in the thread) it's easier for us than a new comer such as yourself. I say pick it up again and try and learn the combat with practice runs against the first few groups of enemies. I hope you didn't choose deprived as your starting class? If so, make a new character and go with a knight or warrior.
I think you'd get better with gameplay. If you manage to get past the first boss, you can buy a soap stone at Firelink Shrine and unlock co-op to make things easier for you if you need help in areas and with bosses. I love the game a lot and if you got to specific bosses I'd be willing to help you out.
Good luck. "Git gud"