Here is a blog:

and part 2

I'd complain there aren't enough Asian offerings and add The Tin Drum, by Gunter Grass.

You're right there are a ton of novels and books that were left out.

That is understandable, there are only 50 left.

Since everyone involved are from the UK, it isn't surprising that there is a lack of Asian novels.

Maybe they should have polled a wider group of individuals.

Still, I wouldn't say the Tin Drum was obscure. It is extremely well known. The book sold phenomenally all over the world, was a award-winning (including an Oscar), financially successful movie, a play, Günter Grass, rightfully won a Nobel prize for literature.

Good point. The 'overlooked' bit doesn't apply, true. I was at work when I posted the original comment (call center [incoming Customer Service]), so I post between calls a lot and sometimes skim too quickly, some bits.